What Does the Fibrinogen Blood Test Measure?
As the name implies, a fibrinogen blood test is used to measure the fibrinogen level in the blood. It also helps determine whether the fibrinogen in the body can form blood clots properly. Fibrinogen is a form of protein released by the liver. When an injury happens, it works with other clotting factors to cause blood to clot and stop bleeding.
During this process, which is also called coagulation, the body signals another clotting factor called thrombin to bind with fibrinogen. This process creates fibrin, a substance that builds a strong network of microscopic threads that strengthen the blood clot. [4]
Types of Fibrinogen Blood Test
There are two types of fibrinogen blood test, which can be done simultaneously. These include:
– Fibrinogen Activity Test: This type measures how much time it would take for fibrinogen to create a blood clot. In this procedure, a blood sample is added with thrombin to spark the coagulation in a test tube. The fibrinogen level in the blood clot is known as active fibrinogen.
– Fibrinogen Antigen Test: This type evaluates the fibrinogen levels in a blood sample.
The results of both types are reported in mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre). [5]
