Coagulation Factor Tests
Reviewed
Also called: blood clotting factors, factor assays, factor assay by number (Factor I, Factor II, Factor VIII, etc.), by name (fibrinogen, prothrombin, hemophilia A, hemophilia B, etc.), coagulation panel
Coagulation factor tests are blood tests that check one or more of your clotting factors to see if you have too much or too little of a clotting factor, are missing a clotting factor, or have a clotting factor that isn't working right. These tests help find out if you have a problem with any of your clotting factors that may cause too little or too much blood clotting.
Specimen: blood
Why this test may be ordered
- An abnormal result on a blood test that checks how long it takes your blood to clot (PT/INR and/or PTT)
- A family health history of problems with clotting factors
- A health condition that may affect clotting factors (e.g., severe liver disease, lack of vitamin K, blood transfusions, cancer, immune disorders, autoimmune diseases, obesity, certain infections, prolonged immobility, lack of vitamins B6, B12, and folate)
- Symptoms of a bleeding disorder (heavy bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, frequent large bruises, bleeding into muscles or joints, heavy menstrual periods)
- Symptoms of too much blood clotting (swelling, redness, warmth, pain in arms or legs, trouble breathing, nausea)
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a coagulation factor test.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Your provider may need to order other tests to find the cause of a problem with your clotting factors. Talk with your provider to find out what your test results mean and what treatment is best for you.
- Lower than normal levels of one or more clotting factors: Lower than normal levels of one or more clotting factors or a missing clotting factor may mean you have a bleeding disorder. Depending on which clotting factors were tested, your results may show the type of bleeding disorder you have and how serious it is. Bleeding disorders that you inherit usually involve only one clotting factor. There is no cure for inherited bleeding disorders, but treatment can help manage your condition. Bleeding disorders caused by other conditions usually involve low levels of two or more clotting factors. Treatment depends on the cause. Limitation: Your provider may need to order other tests to find the cause of a problem with your clotting factors. Next step: Talk with your provider to find out what your test results mean and what treatment is best for you.
- Higher than normal levels of one or more clotting factors: Higher than normal levels of one or more clotting factors may mean you have a disorder that makes your blood clot more than it should. Your provider may recommend medicine and heart-healthy lifestyle changes to help prevent clots. You may also need to avoid hormone replacement therapy for menopause and birth control pills with estrogen, because they may increase the risk of blood clots. Limitation: Your provider may need to order other tests to find the cause of a problem with your clotting factors. Next step: Talk with your provider to find out what your test results mean and what treatment is best for you.
- Your provider may need to order other tests to find the cause of a problem with your clotting factors.
- Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional.
What to do next
Talk with your provider to find out what your test results mean and what treatment is best for you.
- What do my coagulation factor test results mean?
- Do I need any other tests?
- What treatment options are available for my condition?