Fibrin Degradation Products (FDPs) |
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Excessive fibrinolysis results in accumulation of fibrin degradation products in the blood. When present in high concentration they may interfere with the coagulation pathway and platelet function. Increased levels are seen in secondary fibrinolysis associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation and in primary fibrinolysis (which may be associated with liver disease, prostatic carcinoma or thrombolytic therapy). FDPs are elevated (usually > 40 ug/mL) in 85 to 100% of patients with acute DIC. Other causes of elevated FDPs include thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, surgery and transplant rejection. To differentiate between primary and secondary fibrinolysis, the D-Dimer test, which is specific for cross-linked fibrin degradation products, is available.
Fibrinolysis |
D-Dimer |
FDP |
Primary |
Negative |
Positive |
Secondary |
Positive |
Positive |
Reference range is < 5 ug/mL.
Specimen requirement is one light blue top (sodium citrate) tube of blood. The tube should be delivered to the laboratory within 4 hours. If delivery will be delayed, the plasma should be separated and frozen.
This test can be replaced with D-Dimer. See Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Panel for explanation.
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