Fibrin Degradation Products
Fibrin degradation products (FDPs) are fragments produced when the body breaks down clots and fibrin. A blood test measures how many of these fragments are present.
FDPs reflect how actively clots are being formed and dissolved in the body. Elevated levels can help clinicians investigate conditions involving abnormal clotting and clot breakdown. It is usually an acute, clinical-context test used alongside other clotting studies.
A high FDP level indicates increased clot breakdown, which can occur with conditions such as widespread clotting, recent surgery, injury, or clot-dissolving activity. It is non-specific and does not identify a single cause. Because it is often ordered in acute settings, it is interpreted with your other clotting results and clinical picture.
A low or normal FDP level generally suggests no significant abnormal clot breakdown at the time of testing. This is typically the expected finding.
A value within the normal range is typical when there is no significant active clotting or breakdown. Your clinician will interpret your result in the clinical context in which it was ordered.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.