Fibrinopeptide A is a blood test that measures the level of fibrinopeptide A, which is a substance released as part of the clotting process. An elevated level may indicate an abnormal clotting process, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC ).

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children:

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.

The sample is then taken to the laboratory for examination.

No special preparation is necessary.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Measurement of fibrinopeptide A may help diagnose severe, abnormal clotting processes, such as disseminated intravascular clotting.

Certain types of leukemia are associated with DIC, and this test can help in the early detection of this severe complication.

The level of fibrinopeptide A should be in the range of 0.6 to 1.9 ng/ml.

Note: ng/ml = nanograms per milliliter; The range of normal values varies between laboratories, and the laboratory performing the test should therefore be consulted for interpretation of the test result.

Increased fibrinopeptide A levels may indicate:

• DIC
• Leukemia at the time of diagnosis, during early treatment, and during a relapse
• Cellulitis
• SLE
• Some infections

Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:

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

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.