Blood Test for Clotting Disorders: What You Need to Know
A speed test, known as the fibrin degradation products test, is used to diagnose certain conditions by measuring the levels of FDPs in the bloodstream. These substances are remnants left after a blood clot dissolves. Normal results are less than 10 mcg/mL.
The test is ordered to diagnose conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, leukemia, kidney disease, stroke, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It involves drawing blood from the arm using a needle and sending it to a lab for analysis.
Certain drugs like barbiturates, heparin, streptokinase, and urokinase may increase FDP levels in the bloodstream. Elevated FDP levels may indicate a clotting disorder, which can be caused by various health problems such as burns, abruption placentae, congenital heart disease, hypoxia, intrauterine fetal death, leukemia, liver disease, renal disease, septicemia, preeclampsia, thromboembolic states, or transplant rejection. If FDP levels are elevated, further testing is required to determine the underlying cause.
The fibrin degradation products test is a crucial tool in diagnosing various health conditions. It measures FDP levels in the blood, with normal results being less than 10 mcg/mL. Elevated levels may indicate a clotting disorder, warranting further investigation.
