Factor VIII Activity Blood Test, Clotting

A Factor VIII Activity Blood Test is useful in measuring the activity of factor VIII, a blood-clotting protein. 

Description

This test can aid in the diagnosis of hemophilia A or another clotting disorder.  Hemophilia A, the most common type of bleeding disorder, causes the blood not to clot as it should.  This, in turn, puts someone susceptible to uncontrolled bleeding.  Most commonly, this disorder is found in males.  

One might order this test if they have the following symptoms:

• Sustained bleeding after minor cuts, surgeries, or dental procedures
• Easily bruised
• Severe low back pain, generally on one side
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Slow wound healing due to repeated bleeding or infection
• If a blood transfusion was needed after minor surgery

The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and prothrombin time (PT) is another useful test for hemophilia.