Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Factor activity levels and bleeding scores in hemophilia carriers: apparent paradoxes
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple studies report abnormal bleeding in hemophilia carriers with normal factor activity levels. Other studies report the lack of abnormal bleeding in carriers with hemophilia. In addition, limited data suggests that the bleeding risk in carriers increases with age while at the same time, factor activity levels are rising. Potential explanations for these paradoxical findings include inadequate data, inadequate measures of bleeding, inadequate measures of factor activity, or uncharacterized biological modifiers.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
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,...
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...
Coagulation
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...
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...
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.

