Fibrinogen

A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm to take the blood sample. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins, making it easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein to prevent bacteria from entering. Needle is inserted into the vein of the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

Your doctor may order a fibrinogen activity test when you have unexplained or prolonged bleeding, a harmful blood clot (thrombosis), abnormal PT and PTT test results, symptoms and signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or if you are undergoing treatment for DIC or abnormal fibrinolysis.

One may have elevated fibrinogen concentration due to an acute inflammatory process, and the level may return to normal after the underlying condition has resolved. Elevated fibrinogen levels sometimes indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Please speak to your healthcare provider to know the actual cause of elevated fibrinogen levels and how to reduce them. Diet that are rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids may help to decrease fibrinogen levels.