Name of the Procedure:

Fibrinogen; activity
Common names: Fibrinogen activity test, Functional fibrinogen test

Summary

A fibrinogen activity test measures the level of fibrinogen in the blood, which is vital for blood clot formation. It helps diagnose bleeding disorders or excessive clotting problems.

Purpose

The test targets conditions involving abnormal blood clotting:

• Goal: To determine if fibrinogen is functioning properly and in adequate quantities.
• Expected Outcomes: Identification of bleeding disorders, thrombotic conditions, or liver disease.

Indications

• Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
• Abnormal blood clot formation.
• Preoperative assessment.
• Monitoring of liver disease or hereditary fibrinogen deficiencies.
• After adverse blood clotting events like deep vein thrombosis.

Preparation

• Fasting: Typically not required.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications; some anticoagulants may need adjustment.
• Pre-assessment: Blood tests, medical history evaluation.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare provider cleans the puncture site on your arm.
2. A needle is inserted into a vein to draw a blood sample.
3. The blood sample is sent to the lab for testing.

Tools and Equipment: Needle, syringe, collection tubes.

Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable; it’s a minimally invasive blood test.

Duration

The blood draw takes about 5-10 minutes. Laboratory analysis may take a few hours to a couple of days.

Setting

Performed in clinical labs, hospitals, or outpatient clinics.

Personnel

• Phlebotomist or nurse for blood draw.
• Laboratory technician for sample analysis.
• Physician to interpret the results.

Risks and Complications

• Common: Mild pain or bruising at puncture site.
• Rare: Infection, excessive bleeding, fainting.

Benefits

• Provides critical information about blood clotting abilities.
• Helps diagnose specific blood-related disorders.
• Facilitates appropriate treatment plans based on results.

Recovery

• Immediate Care: Apply pressure to site, use a bandage.
• Recovery Time: Immediate; resume normal activities.
• Follow-up: Based on results, may need further consultation or additional tests.

Alternatives

• Other clotting tests such as Prothrombin Time (PT) or Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
• Pros and Cons: Fibrinogen activity test is more specific for fibrinogen function; alternatives may provide broader coagulation profiles but less specific fibrinogen information.

Patient Experience

• During: Brief discomfort from needle prick.
• After: Possible slight bruising or sensitivity at puncture site.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief if needed, but usually unnecessary.