Laboratory Medicine Program

Fibrinogen Activity

Clinical Decription:
Fibrinogen (factor I) is a soluble plasma glycoprotein, synthesized by the liver, that is converted by thrombin into fibrin during blood coagulation. This is achieved through processes in the coagulation cascade that activate the zymogen prothrombin to the serine protease thrombin, which is responsible for converting fibrinogen into fibrin. Fibrin is then cross-linked by factor XIII to form a clot.

Method: Optical Clot Detection; Siemens Sysmex CS-5100

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
1.70 - 4.20 g/L

Specimen Type: Citrated plasma
Collected In: 3.2% Sodium Citrate
Volume: 1.0 mL (minimum: 1.0 mL)

Shipping: Send frozen on dry ice.

Special Instructions: Patient should be fasting, if possible. The specimen must be double-centrifuged to obtain a platelet-poor plasma specimen (Plt <10x10E9/L): 1. Immediately centrifuge specimen at 1500xG for 10 minutes. 2. Separate the plasma from the platelet/buffy coat and transfer into a clean plastic tube. 3. Centrifuge the separated plasma at 1500xG for 10 minutes. 4. Transfer 1.0 to 2.0 mL of the double-centrifuged plasma into a clean plastic tube, leaving approx. 200 uL for discard. 5. Freeze plasma aliquot immediately for storage. Maintain frozen for shipping and handling.

Testing Schedule(s): Daily.

Turnaround Time: 1 day

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227