Clinical Significance

    Fibrin degradation products (FDP), also known as fibrin split product, are components of the blood produced by clot degeneration. Clotting, also called coagulation, at the wound site produces a mass of fibrin threads called a net that remains in place until the cut is healed. 

    As a cut heals, the clotting slows down. Eventually the clot is broken down and dissolved by plasmin.   When the clot and fibrin net dissolve, fragments of protein are released into the body. These fragments are fibrin degradation products or FDPs. If your body is unable to dissolve a clot, you may have abnormal levels of FDPs. The most notable subtype of fibrin degradation products is D-dimer.
    Fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) testing is commonly used to diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation.