Re: factor 8

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Definition: A test to measure the activity of factor VIII (one of the substances used for coagulation) in the blood.

Alternative names: HG globulin assay; Von Willebrand factor level; serum factor VIII antigen

Why the test is performed: Serum factor VIII is usually measured to diagnose or monitor treatment for hemophilia. This test may be used to detect the specific cause of excessive bleeding (decreased blood clotting).

Normal values: The normal result is 50 to 200% of the laboratory "control" or reference value.

What abnormal results mean: Decreased levels may indicate:

1.congenital deficiency of factor VIII (that is, hemophilia - A sex-linked hereditary bleeding disorder in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot and abnormal bleeding occurs. This disease affects mostly males.)

2.disseminated intravascular coagulation (A serious bleeding disorder resulting from the overstimulation of the body's clotting and anticlotting mechanisms in response to injury or stress

3.secondary fibrinolysis (clot breakdown)

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Von Willebrand's disease (A hereditary bleeding disorder caused by moderate-to-severe factor VIII deficiency and low-levels of factor VIII-related antigen Additionally, there is insufficient von Willebrand factor which also helps blood clot. The Von Willebrand factor helps platelets to stick to the blood vessel wall and to each other, which is necessary for normal blood clotting.

Complete info can be found at: http://www.healthanswers.com/adam/top/view.asp?filename=003678.htm

--
Tracy L. Trull MA, NA, PCT
International Coordinator, OBGYN.net
http://www.obgyn.net/women/bios/trull.htm
tracy.trull@obgyn.net

This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation.

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