Why get tested?
To determine whether your fibrinogen level is adequate to allow normal blood clotting, to help diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), to help determine whether you have an inherited fibrinogen deficiency or abnormality. Sometimes as a non-specific marker of inflammation in the blood. Very occasionally to help evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease

When to get tested?
When you have unexplained or prolonged bleeding, an abnormal prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test, or have a relative with a hereditary fibrinogen deficiency or abnormality. To evaluate whether certain abnormalities in a full blood count are due to inflammation or are self-generated. When your doctor wants additional information to help evaluate your risk of developing heart disease

Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, or sometimes, via a finger prick