Lima Memorial Health System Logo
Approximate ER WAIT TIME
5
Lima Memorial eHealth
Careers
Ways to Give

Health Library

Fibrinopeptide A blood test
     
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks

Fibrinopeptide A blood test

FPA

 

Fibrinopeptide A is a substance released as blood clots in your body. A test can be done to measure the level of this substance in your blood.

How the Test is Performed

 

A blood sample is needed.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

No special preparation is necessary.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test is used to help diagnose severe problems with blood clotting, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Certain types of leukemia are associated with DIC.

 

Normal Results

 

In general, the level of fibrinopeptide A should range from 0.6 to 1.9 (mg/mL).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An increased fibrinopeptide A level may be a sign of:

  • Cellulitis
  • DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
  • Leukemia at the time of diagnosis, during early treatment, and during a relapse
  • Some infections
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

 

Risks

 

There is little risk in having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Drawing blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

 

 

Open References

References

Pai M, Moffat KA. Laboratory evaluation of hemostatic and thrombotic disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 127.

Sarode R, Kessler CM. Coagulation and fibrinolysis. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 40.

BACK TO TOPText only

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Fibrinopeptide A blood test

               
               

              Review Date: 2/2/2023

              Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

              The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
              © 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.