Fibrinogen

Clinical Significance

Fibrinogen Activity, Clauss - Fibrinogen is essential for the formation of a blood clot. Deficiency can produce mild to severe bleeding disorders.

Test Details

Methodology

Photometry/Optical, Clauss

Reference Range(s)

175-425 mg/dL

Alternative Name(s)

Factor I

Preferred Specimen(s)

One full 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube

Alternative Specimen(s)

1 mL platelet-poor anticoagulated plasma collected in a 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube, separated and frozen immediately

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL if as a single test

Collection Instructions

Correct ratio of blood to citrate is critical. Do not overfill or underfill collection tube. Mix by inversion 4 times. Do not pool plasma from multiple tubes.
For non-heparinized patients, maintain specimen at room temperature. Do not uncap. Non-heparinized patients are stable up to 72 hours at room temperature. Heparinized patients stable for 24 hours at room temperature.
If testing cannot be completed within stability limits, centrifuge specimen within 1 hour of collection at 1500 g. Transfer plasma to a transport tube and freeze at -20° C immediately.

Transport Container

Whole blood: 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube
Plasma: Transport tube (frozen)

Transport Temperature

Room temperature: 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube
Frozen: Plasma in transport tube

Specimen Stability

• Whole blood (3.2% sodium citrate)

• Room temperature: 72 hours (non-heparinized)

• Platelet-poor plasma

• Frozen -20° C: 30 days

• Frozen -70° C: 6 months

Reject Criteria

Gross hemolysis • Clotted

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat (All shifts); Report available: 1 day