Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening blood disorder where the clotting system becomes overactive, causing widespread clots in small blood vessels throughout the body while simultaneously depleting clotting factors and leading to severe bleeding. It is caused by conditions that trigger excessive thrombin production, such as sepsis, severe trauma, cancer, or complications during childbirth. The Fibrinogen Activity test is the most important test for DIC diagnosis because it measures the critical clotting protein that becomes severely depleted during this condition.
90-day money-back guarantee
Lab order in minutes
Save a trip to the doctor
Low prices since 2005
Labs within 2 miles
DIC is caused by conditions that trigger uncontrolled activation of the blood clotting system, leading to excessive thrombin production throughout the body. The most common triggers include severe infections like sepsis (especially from bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), major trauma or burns, complications during pregnancy such as placental abruption or amniotic fluid embolism, certain cancers (particularly leukemia and adenocarcinomas), and severe tissue injury. These underlying conditions release substances into the bloodstream that activate the coagulation cascade excessively, causing the body to form tiny blood clots in small vessels while simultaneously using up all available clotting factors and platelets, which then leads to dangerous bleeding.
The Fibrinogen Activity test is the most important test for DIC because it directly measures the functional level of fibrinogen, the critical clotting protein that becomes severely depleted during this condition. In DIC, fibrinogen is consumed rapidly as the body forms widespread clots, and dangerously low levels are a hallmark diagnostic finding. However, DIC diagnosis requires a panel of coagulation tests working together. The Prothrombin Time (PT/INR) and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) tests are essential because they show prolonged clotting times when clotting factors are depleted. Additional tests like Protein C Activity and Antithrombin III Antigen reveal decreased levels of natural anticoagulants, while Prothrombin (Factor II) and Fibrinogen Antigen tests confirm the consumption of specific clotting components. Your doctor will interpret these results together to confirm DIC and determine its severity.
You should get tested for DIC immediately if you have an underlying serious condition like sepsis, severe infection, major trauma, or pregnancy complications and begin experiencing unusual bleeding or bruising. Warning signs include bleeding from multiple sites such as IV insertion points, surgical wounds, or the gums, unexplained bruising appearing across your body, blood in your urine or stool, or tiny red or purple spots on your skin called petechiae. You may also notice symptoms of blood clots like chest pain, shortness of breath, leg pain or swelling, or confusion. DIC is a medical emergency that develops rapidly in critically ill patients, so testing should occur urgently in hospital settings when doctors suspect this life-threatening complication.
Save a trip to the doctor, go directly to the lab
Instant orders, results often overnight*
Results explained in simple language
Reviewed by US licensed doctors
Fast & confidential, we never sell or share your data
No insurance needed, transparent pricing
What this means
Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.
Recommended actions
Increase resistance or strength training
Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep per night, try to reduce stress
Include more zinc- and magnesium-rich foods (like shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach)
Consider retesting in 3–6 months
Not overhyped or overpriced. Just comprehensive blood testing made simple and for everyone.
505 reviews
Sample results
Your 24/7 Lab Guide
Quick questions:
