Fibrinogen
CPT Code(s):
85384
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Plasma
Minimum Volume:
1mL
Transport Container:
Light-blue 3.2% Sodium Citrate tube; plastic transfer tube
Transport Temperature:
Refrigerated
Collection Instructions:
Light-blue Sodium Citrate tube, drawn to fill-line. If delivery to lab is delayed, spin down and pour-off plasma to plastic transfer tube.
Rejection Criteria:
Clotted specimen; gross lipemia or hemolysis; tube <90% full; improper labeling; specimen collected in tube other than 3.2% citrate
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
24 hours
Frozen:
14 days
Clinical Significance
Fibrinogen activity, also known as fibrinogen function or functional fibrinogen, refers to the ability of fibrinogen to participate in the blood clotting process. Fibrinogen is a glycoprotein found in the blood that plays a crucial role in the formation of blood clots (hemostasis). When there is tissue injury or bleeding, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin through a series of enzymatic reactions, ultimately leading to the formation of a stable blood clot. Here are some key clinical significances of fibrinogen activity:
Hemostasis: Fibrinogen activity is essential for the normal functioning of the blood clotting cascade. Without functional fibrinogen, the body's ability to form blood clots in response to injury or bleeding is compromised. This can lead to excessive bleeding, which is a serious medical concern.
Bleeding Disorders: Low fibrinogen activity, also known as hypofibrinogenemia, can result from various conditions, including liver disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and congenital fibrinogen deficiencies. Individuals with low fibrinogen activity are at an increased risk of spontaneous bleeding or excessive bleeding following injury or surgery.
Thrombosis Risk: On the other hand, elevated fibrinogen activity may contribute to an increased risk of thrombosis (blood clot formation within blood vessels). High fibrinogen levels can promote the formation of excessive and potentially harmful blood clots, leading to conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke.
Monitoring Treatment: Fibrinogen activity can be monitored in clinical settings to assess the effectiveness of treatment in patients with bleeding disorders or thrombotic conditions. For example, in patients with hemophilia, assessing fibrinogen activity helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate course of treatment, such as administering clotting factor concentrates or fibrinogen replacement therapy.
Diagnostic Tool: Fibrinogen activity tests can be used as diagnostic tools to identify coagulation disorders. By measuring fibrinogen activity, healthcare providers can distinguish between various types of bleeding disorders and guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Cardiovascular Disease: Elevated levels of fibrinogen have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Monitoring fibrinogen activity and levels can help in assessing a patient's cardiovascular risk and guiding preventive measures and treatments.
Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammation can lead to increased fibrinogen production by the liver. Elevated fibrinogen levels are often seen in inflammatory conditions, and monitoring fibrinogen activity can be a marker of the degree of inflammation.
In summary, fibrinogen activity is clinically significant because it plays a central role in hemostasis and blood clotting. Abnormal levels or dysfunctional fibrinogen can lead to bleeding disorders or an increased risk of thrombosis. Monitoring fibrinogen activity is an important aspect of diagnosing and managing various medical conditions related to coagulation and vascular health.