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Ency. home > Test > F > Fibrinopeptide a

Fibrinopeptide a   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

FPA

Definition:

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

How the Test is Performed

Adult or child:
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a tourniquet (an elastic band) or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the tourniquet to distend (fill 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 tourniquet 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.

Infant or young child:
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. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

The sample is then taken to the laboratory for examination.

How to Prepare for the Test

Adults:
No special preparation is necessary.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

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

Why the Test is Performed

Measurements of fibrinopeptide a may help to diagnose severe, abnormal clotting processess such as disseminated intravascular clotting that occurs without generalized symptoms.

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

Ency. home > Test > F > Fibrinopeptide a

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