Fibrinogen
Alternate Names : Factor I, Hypofibrinogenemia Test, Plasma Fibrinogen, Serum Fibrinogen
DefinitionThis is a test that measures the amount of fibrinogen in the blood.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test may be performed when abnormal blood clotting is present, particularly if there is excessive bleeding.
Fibrinogen is a protein produced by the liver. Fibrinogen helps stop bleeding by helping blood clots to form. During normal blood clotting:
- Fibrinogen is broken down by an enzyme called thrombin into short fragments of fibrin. Thrombin also activates a substance called Factor XIII.
- Factor XIII helps weave the fibrin fragments into a complex lattice, closing off injured blood-vessel walls.
- Blood platelets attach to the fibrin fragments, clumping together to form blood clots and stop bleeding.
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