Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
The plasma hemostatic proteome: thrombin generation in healthy individuals
K Brummel-Ziedins1, C Y Vossen, F R Rosendaal
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Background And Objectives:
The range of plasma concentrations of hemostatic analytes in the population is wide. In this study these components of blood coagulation phenotype are integrated in an attempt to predict clinical risk.
Methods:
We modeled tissue factor (TF)-induced thrombin generation in the control population (N = 473) from the Leiden Thrombophilia Study utilizing a numerical simulation model. Hypothetical thrombin generation curves were established by modeling pro- and anticoagulant factor levels for each individual. These curves were evaluated using parameters which describe the initiation, propagation and termination phases of thrombin generation, i.e. time to 10 nm thrombin (approximate clot time), total thrombin and the maximum rates and levels of thrombin generated.
Results And Conclusions:
The time to 10 nm thrombin varied over a 3-fold range (2.9-9.5 min), maximum levels varied over a approximately 4-fold range (200-800 nm), maximum rates varied approximately 4.8-fold (90-435 nm min(-1)) and total thrombin varied approximately 4.5-fold (39-177 microm s(-1)) within this control population. Thrombin generation curves, defined by the clotting factor concentrations, were distinguished by sex, age, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI) and oral contraceptive (OC) use (OC > sex > BMI > age). Our results show that the capacity for thrombin generation in response to a TF challenge may represent a method to identify an individual's propensity for developing thrombosis.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Composition of Blood Plasma
Introduction to Hemostasis
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized, and...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

