What are the other Names for this
Test? (Equivalent Terms)
- FSF Blood Test
- Factor XIII (Fibrin-Stabilizing Factor) Coagulation Blood
Test
What is Fibrin-Stabilizing Factor (FSF) Blood Test? (Background Information)
- The Fibrin-Stabilizing Factor (FSF) Blood Test is
performed to determine if an individual has deficient or decreased levels of
Factor XIII
- The FSF Blood Test is a very uncommon laboratory test.
Many laboratories do not have the capability to perform this test. Only
highly-specialized labs that perform advanced blood clotting testing procedures
perform this test
- Clotting factors are proteins that help form blood
clots at the site of blood vessel injury. Blood clots stop blood loss and allow
the blood vessel to continue functioning
- The clotting of blood may be affected due to the
absence of clotting Factor XIII, decreased levels of Factor XIII, or abnormal
function of Factor XIII. Typically, the bleeding is proportional to Factor XIII
levels in the body; more Factor XIII implies less bleeding possibility, and
less Factor XIII implies more bleeding possibility
- Factor XIII deficiency is a very rare autosomal
recessive disorder. This condition is very common in regions of the world where
there is marriage among close blood relatives
- Injury to a blood vessel causes the blood vessel to
constrict. Called the vascular phase, this is the first reaction of a blood
vessel to damage. It reduces the flow of blood to the site of injury,
minimizing blood loss
- Next, circulating platelets clump along the site of
blood vessel injury. Platelets form a foundation for a blood clot and release
chemicals that stimulate clotting
- The coagulation phase then causes a blood clot to
form. Clotting occurs when an enzyme called thrombin converts a soluble
protein, fibrinogen, into its insoluble form, fibrin. Fibrin proteins make up
the bulk of a blood clot
- Thrombin is activated by the merging of two pathways, called the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, into the common pathway. These are initiated by different parts of the body after blood vessel damage:
- The intrinsic pathway begins in the blood with the activation of circulating proteins
- The extrinsic pathway begins in the blood vessel with the release of protein factors by damaged cells lining the vessel
- The extrinsic pathway is the first to activate. The
intrinsic pathway then reinforces the extrinsic pathway and provides longer-lasting
clotting effects
- Coagulation factors are central to the action of these
pathways. Each factor activates the next in a stepwise fashion
- Once a coagulation factor is activated, it remains
active. Thus, with each step in the pathway, more and more factors are
activated. This results in a cascade of events similar to the snowball effect
- A counter pathway ensures that the size of the growing
blood clot stays in check. Problems with this regulatory pathway may lead to a
dangerous condition where a blood clot forms within blood vessels (thrombosis)
- The Coagulation Factors Blood Tests are tests to help assess
the activity and levels of 9 coagulation factors (though there are 12 total).
These tests are used to investigate bleeding disorders, especially those that
are genetic disorders
What are the Clinical Indications
for performing the Fibrin-Stabilizing Factor (FSF) Blood Test?
Following are the clinical indications for performing
the Fibrin-Stabilizing Factor Blood Test:
- Following up to a prothrombin time (PT) or partial
thromboplastin time (PTT) blood test
- Bleeding related signs and symptoms: Frequent bleeding
from the nose, blood in stool and urine, easy bruising, frequent bleeding from
the gums, and frequent miscarriages. However, the signs and symptoms are
related to the levels of Factor XIII in the body
- Before undergoing an elective surgery, if there is a
history of bleeding tendency; or, if there is uncontrolled or excessive bleeding
after a surgery
- Family history of coagulation Factor XIII deficiency
How is the Specimen Collected for Fibrin-Stabilizing Factor (FSF) Blood Test?
Following is the specimen collection process for Fibrin-Stabilizing
Factor Blood Test:
Sample required: Blood
Process of obtaining blood sample in adults:
- A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the
collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit)
- The site is cleaned with 70% alcohol in an outward
spiral, away from the zone of needle insertion
- The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the
vein, pulling the skin tight
- With a small and quick thrust, the vein is penetrated
using the needle
- The required amount of blood sample is collected by
pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly
- The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the
collection site, and the needle is removed
- The blood is immediately transferred into the blood
container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant
- The syringe and the needle are disposed into the
appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal
Preparation required: No special preparation is needed
prior to the test.
What is the Significance of the Fibrin-Stabilizing Factor (FSF) Blood Test Result?
Low levels of coagulation Factor XIII may indicate:
- A congenital deficiency of Factor XIII
- Decreased production in the body of Factor XIII, due
to a variety of reasons
The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted
as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be
interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional
supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the
meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.
Additional and Relevant Useful
Information:
- Coagulation factors were named in the order of their
discovery. For example, Factor I was the first factor discovered. Their names
have nothing to do with the order in which they act during the clotting process
- Factor VI was later proven to be a modified version of
Factor V. Thus, the name Factor VI is no longer used
Certain medications that you may be currently taking
may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your
healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including any herbal
supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider
interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a
misdiagnosis.
Please visit our Laboratory Procedures Center for more physician-approved health information:
http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-laboratory/
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