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Fibrinogen is one of the key substances involved in the blood clotting process. Fibrinogen concentration testing can help diagnose various diseases, so it is worth knowing what fibrinogen is, when the test should be performed, how to prepare for it and how to interpret the results.
What is fibrinogen?
Fibrinogen is a protein synthesized by the liver that plays an important role in the blood clotting process. The main task of fibrinogen is to create fibrin fibrils, which are the structure that ensures blood clotting. Without fibrinogen, the clotting process would be impossible, which is especially important in the case of hemorrhages.
Blood clotting disorders – when should the test be performed?
Fibrinogen testing may be recommended in various situations. It is most often performed to diagnose or monitor medical conditions such as:
- Coagulation disorders
- Heart diseases
- Thrombosis
- Hemorrhages
- Condition after surgery
If you suspect you have one of these health problems, your doctor may order a fibrinogen test to assess your blood clotting status.
How to prepare for a fibrinogen test?
Preparing for a fibrinogen test is relatively simple. Here are some tips:
- The test can usually be performed on an empty stomach or a few hours after the last meal. Consult your doctor or laboratory technician for specific instructions.
- If you are taking any medications, tell your doctor because some of them may affect the test results.
- Avoid intense physical activity just before the test as it may affect the results.
How much does the test cost? is it a test reimbursed by the national health fund?
The cost of fibrinogen testing may vary depending on the medical facility. In some cases, this test may be reimbursed by the National Health Fund (NFZ), if there are appropriate medical indications. It is worth consulting a doctor or checking with a medical facility whether you are entitled to a free fibrinogen test.
Fibrinogen test results – normal for women and men
The interpretation of fibrinogen concentration test results is based on the standards specified for a given age group and gender. Generally speaking, these limits range from 200 to 400 mg/dL. However, it is worth remembering that the exact standards may vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test. Therefore, it is always worth consulting the results with a doctor who will be able to accurately assess the state of blood coagulation based on the results of the fibrinogen test.
What does a decreased and increased fibrinogen level mean?
Reduced fibrinogen levels may suggest certain conditions, such as liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or genetic disorders related to blood clotting. In turn, increased fibrinogen levels may be associated with inflammatory diseases, postoperative conditions, or atherosclerosis. However, the interpretation of the results should always be made by a doctor who will take into account your entire health condition.
Treatment of elevated fibrinogen levels
If you have elevated fibrinogen levels, treatment will depend on the cause of the condition. This may require treatment of an underlying disease, such as atherosclerosis, or adjustments to therapy for chronic diseases. Your doctor will be best able to advise you on appropriate treatment steps.
Your suggestions
If you have any questions or concerns about fibrinogen or blood clotting testing, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor. It is also of great importance to perform preventive tests regularly, which can help in the early detection of possible health problems related to blood clotting.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about blood clotting, check out our recommended articles on the subject. You can find a lot of valuable information that will help you understand the importance of fibrinogen and its impact on your health.
It is worth taking care of your health, and testing your fibrinogen concentration may be one of the steps in preventing many diseases related to the circulatory system.