What is Fibrin Degradation Product(FDP)?
Fibrin degradation products (FDP) are substances that remain in your bloodstream after your body dissolves a blood clot. Your fibrinolytic (clot-busting) system manages and regulates clot-dissolving.
When you cut yourself, the injured blood vessel constricts to stop bleeding and promote healing. This process is called hemostasis. Platelets in your blood gather together and stick to the injury site to form a plug or clot. The formation of the plug or clot is called the clotting cascade.
Fibrin is a protein that aids in clotting. Clotting, also called coagulation, at the wound site produces a mass of fibrin threads called a net. The net remains in place until the cut is healed. As the cut heals, the clotting slows down. Eventually, the clot breaks down and dissolves.
When the clot and fibrin net dissolve, fragments of protein are released into the body. These fragments are fibrin degradation products (FDPs). If your body is unable to dissolve a clot, you may have abnormal levels of FDPs.
Blood tests can measure your level of FDPs to see if you have a clotting disorder. The fibrin degradation products test is a specific test that determines the amount of FDPs in your blood. The test is also known as the fibrin split products (FSPs) test, or the fibrin breakdown products test.
Why is the test ordered?
The fibrin degradation products test may be ordered to help determine if you have the following health conditions:
- deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a deep vein
- pulmonary embolism, a blockage in the main artery of the lung
- leukemia
- kidney disease
- stroke
The test may also be ordered if you have other clotting disorders, or if your doctor believes you have disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Symptoms of DIC include:
- bleeding gums
- nausea
- vomiting
- severe muscle pain
- severe abdominal pain
- reduced urine output
The fibrin degradation products test may also be used if you’re receiving treatment for a clotting disorder. Your doctor will compare test results to determine if treatment is effective for controlling your symptoms.
How is the test administered?
A nurse or lab technician typically administers the fibrin degradation products test. You’ll need to provide a blood sample.
A nurse or lab technician will draw blood from your arm using a needle. They’ll collect the blood in a tube and send it to a lab for analysis. Your doctor will provide you with your results and explain what they mean.
