An Introduction to the Fundamentals of Coagulation: Laboratory Tests of Hemostatic Function

Tests of Hemostatic Function – Fibrinogen Assay

  • The fibrinogen assay performed in the clinical laboratory is a quantitative measure of factor I.

  • This assay is used to determine whether there is enough fibrinogen present to allow for normal clotting.

  • It is performed in cases of an unexpected, prolonged bleeding event, or an unexpected abnormal PT and/or APTT.

  • Additionally, it is also used to aid in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

  • A normal reference range is typically around 200-400 mg/dl.

  • That range is significant because fibrinogen levels <100 mg/dl are often associated with free bleeding, or impaired hemostatic function.

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