Specific identification of fibrin(ogen) degradation products in plasma and serum using blotting and peroxidase labeled antiserum

We describe a method for identifying fibrinogen and fibrin split products using electrophoresis on agarose gel with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) followed by blotting in nitrocellulose paper. Detection of these derivatives after blotting is accomplished with peroxidase-conjugated rather than by isotopically labeled antibodies. This technique can detect diverse fibrinogen derivatives produced in vivo or in vitro by the combined action of thrombin, plasmin, and factor XIII. This methodology is applicable to plasma, serum, and other body fluids including urine and ascitic fluid. This sensitive and specific assay, distinguishing the products of cross-linked fibrin from those of fibrinogen and detecting fibrin polymers in plasma, can be achieved without the use of radioactivity.