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Factor V assay
The factor V assay is a blood test to measure the activity of factor V. This is one of the proteins in the body that helps the blood clot.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
Blood sample
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is used to find the cause of too much bleeding (decreased blood clotting). This decreased clotting may be caused by an abnormally low level of factor V.
Normal Results
The value is normally 50 to 200% of the laboratory control or reference value.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Decreased factor V activity may be related to:
-
Deficiency of factor V
Deficiency of factor V
Factor V deficiency is a condition that is passed down through families, which affects the ability of the blood to clot.
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Disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become over active (
disseminated intravascular coagulation
)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become overactive.
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Liver disease
(such as
cirrhosis
)
Liver disease
The term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain, yellowing ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Abnormal breakdown of blood clots (secondary fibrinolysis)
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size so it may be harder to take a blood sample from one person than another.
Other slight risks associated with having blood drawn may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
This test is most often performed on people who have bleeding problems. The risk of excessive bleeding is slightly greater than for people without bleeding problems.
References
Schmaier AH. Laboratory evaluation of hemostatic and thrombotic disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 131.
Review Date: 1/27/2015
Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
