Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is a protein made by your liver that helps your blood clot. When you are injured, it is converted into fibrin, the mesh that holds a clot together.
Because fibrinogen is essential for forming clots, its level affects both your ability to stop bleeding and, when elevated, your tendency toward clotting. It also rises with inflammation, so it can offer clues in a range of conditions. Your care team may check it when investigating unusual bleeding, clotting, or inflammation.
A high fibrinogen level can reflect inflammation, infection, pregnancy, or tissue injury, since it behaves as an acute-phase protein. Persistently elevated levels have been associated with a greater tendency to form clots. Interpretation depends heavily on your overall clinical picture.
A low fibrinogen level may make it harder for your blood to clot and can point to liver problems or a consumption of clotting factors. Your clinician will look into the cause if levels are low.
A normal fibrinogen level supports balanced clotting, neither too much nor too little. Your clinician will interpret your result based on why the test 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.