FDP (Fibronogen Degradation Products)

Fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) are the residual substance left in the bloodstream after the blood clots dissolve in the body. The fibrinolytic system is responsible for managing and regulating clot dissolutions. When you injure yourself and bleed profusely, the wounded blood vessels constrict themselves to stop bleeding and ensure quick healing. This process is known as hemostasis.

During hemostasis, the platelets gather together and surround the wound site, creating a platelet plug. Wound site clotting also leads to the production of fibrin threads known as the net. This net stays in its place until the injury heals. After it heals, the clot slows down, breaks apart and dissolves. Upon dissolution, it leads to a release of fragments of protein. These fragments are known as fibrinogen degradation products. If your body cannot ensure the proper dissolution of clots, it may lead to an abnormal level of fibrinogen degradation products.

The FDP test, also known as the fibrinogen degradation products test, fibrin breakdown products test, or the fibrin split products (FSPs) test, measures the level of fibrinogen degradation products in the blood. It helps adjudge whether or not one suffers from any clotting disorder.

If your test results indicate an elevated level of fibrinogen degradation products, it could be a sign of blood clots in the lungs, heart disease, cancer, DVT, kidney disease, liver disease or stroke. It also indicates disseminated intravascular coagulation, wherein several clots form throughout the body, causing a blockage in small blood vessels.

High levels of FDP could be due to high blood pressure and may also help predict the chances of dementia, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

Apollo 24|7 offers a quick, effortless and at-home fibrinogen degradation products test which helps:

• Determine if you suffer from deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, kidney disease, leukaemia or stroke.
• Detect any other clotting disorder or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Assess if your pre-existing treatment for clotting disorder is effective in controlling the symptoms.

Once your test results come, your doctor can devise an effective treatment plan. While there is no exact cure for this condition, there are some preventive tips you can follow to control the symptoms. The following can help maintain adequate FDP levels:

• Quitting smoking tobacco.
• Drinking alcohol in moderation.
• Adjusting your diet to ensure steady weight loss.
• Controlling your stress and maintaining the serum cortisol levels.

However, before making specific lifestyle changes, it is essential to take the first step forward and get an FDP test. 
 

Frequently asked questions

How to interpret the FDP test results?

The fibrinogen degradation products test (FDP test) helps measure fibrinogen and fibrin. It checks whether your blood has an increased level of either of the two, which would indicate enhanced fibrinolysis or fibrinogenolysis. The normal range for FDP should be less than ten mcg/mL (micrograms per millilitre). If the test results show an elevated FDP level, it could signify the presence of DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) or other clotting disorders.

What are the possible causes of clotting disorder?

Plenty of health problems can be a reason behind the clotting disorder. These include: Abruption placentae, wherein the placenta detaches itself from the wall of the uterus before the baby's birth Burns Hypoxia, wherein the body doesn’t receive enough oxygen Congenital heart disease Leukaemia Intrauterine fetal death, wherein the baby dies before its birth Renal or kidney disease Liver disease or liver cirrhosis Preeclampsia, wherein the blood pressure shoots up during pregnancy Septicemia, a bacterial infection in the blood Organ transplant rejection Thromboembolic states (formation of abnormal clots)

Are there any drug medications you must avoid before the FDP test?

Yes, certain medicines increase the FDP level in the blood. These include: Heparin Urokinase Barbiturates Streptokinase

What is disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition in which abnormally thick blood clots form within the blood vessels. It could be due to inflammation caused by illness, injury or infection, or sepsis.

What are the symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulation?

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from disseminated intravascular coagulation: Nausea Bleeding in gums Extreme muscle pain Vomiting Lower urine output Severe pain in the abdomen

Can you survive disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Fibrinogen degradation products may cause disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The survival of people with DIC depends on the level of damage they have endured due to abnormal blood clots. More than half of the people with DIC survive; however with frequent organ dysfunctions and possible amputations.