Fibrinogen Level

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB314
  • Soft Test Code:
  • FIBR
Clinical Significance

Decreased fibrinogen levels are associated with increased bleeding tendencies. Increased fibrinogen levels are a risk factor for thrombotic complications.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Test Notes

It is recommended that an additional blue top tube be drawn for FIBR when other Coagulation testing is ordered


Specimen Overview

Whole blood is the prefered specimen. When testing will not be performed within 24 hours the whole blood must be spun to aquire a Platelet Poor Plasma specimen before submitting to testing laboratory.

Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

2.7 mL Whole Blood in a Blue Top Tubes - 3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate
Minimum Volume:
1.8 mL Whole Blood*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Collection Instructions:

Specimens must be filled appropriately see this example

Correct ratio of Blood to Citrate is critical (9:1). Specimens must be filled within +/- 10% of stated volume.

If a Blue Top Tube is collected utilizing a butterfly, a Blue Discard Tube must be drawn first to remove air from the line. If this is not done, the Blue Top Tube will not be filled properly due to the vacuum in tube and a redraw will be required

Collection of blood for coagulation testing through intravenous lines that have been previously flushed with heparin should be avoided, if possible. 
If the blood must be drawn through an indwelling catheter, possible heparin contamination and specimen dilution should be considered. 
When obtaining specimen from indwelling lines that may contain heparin, the line should be flushed with 5mL of saline, and the first 5 mL of blood or 6-times the line volume (dead space volume of the catheter) be drawn off and discarded before the coagulation tube is filled. For those samples collected from a normal saline lock (capped off venous port) twice the dead space volume of the catheter and extension set should be discarded.


Rejection Criteria:

> 24 Hours from collection

HCT >55%

cell volume > 1/2 the tube volume

Hemolyzed

Clotted

Underfilled

Inappropriate temperature


Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient: 24 Hours

-OR-

1.0 mL Platelet Poor Plasma from a Blue Top Tube - 3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate in a Plastic Vial
Minimum Volume:
1.8 mL Whole Blood*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Collection Instructions:

Specimens must be filled appropriately see this example

Correct ratio of Blood to Citrate is critical (9:1). Specimens must be filled within +/- 10% of stated volume.

If a Blue Top Tube is collected utilizing a butterfly, a Blue Discard Tube must be drawn first to remove air from the line. If this is not done, the Blue Top Tube will not be filled properly due to the vacuum in tube and a redraw will be required

Collection of blood for coagulation testing through intravenous lines that have been previously flushed with heparin should be avoided, if possible. 
If the blood must be drawn through an indwelling catheter, possible heparin contamination and specimen dilution should be considered. 
When obtaining specimen from indwelling lines that may contain heparin, the line should be flushed with 5mL of saline, and the first 5 mL of blood or 6-times the line volume (dead space volume of the catheter) be drawn off and discarded before the coagulation tube is filled. For those samples collected from a normal saline lock (capped off venous port) twice the dead space volume of the catheter and extension set should be discarded.


Processing Instructions:

Follow Platelet Poor Processing


Rejection Criteria:

Freeze/thaw cycles occurred due to utilization of frost free freezer

Thawed specimen

Inappropriate temperature

Hemolyzed


Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient: 24 Hours
  • Refrigerated: 24 Hours
  • Frozen (-20 C or colder): 2 Weeks

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Normal: 150 - 440 mg/dl


Critical Ranges:

Low: <= 80 mg/dL


Methodology:
  • Clauss Fibrinogen
Clinical Significance

Decreased fibrinogen levels are associated with increased bleeding tendencies. Increased fibrinogen levels are a risk factor for thrombotic complications.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Parkview Randallia Hospital
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Departments
  • Coagulation
Stat Eligible

Coding & Compliance

CDM

01450040


CPT Coding

85384