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Factor VII assay

 

The factor VII assay is a blood test to measure the activity of factor VII. This is one of the proteins in the body that helps the blood clot.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

 

You may need to temporarily stop taking some medicines before this test. Your health care provider will tell you which ones.

 

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 abnormal bleeding (decreased blood clotting). This decreased clotting may be caused by an abnormally low level of factor VII.

 

Normal Results

 

The normal value is 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 VII activity may be related to:

  • Deficiency of factor VII
  • Disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become over active ( disseminated intravascular coagulation )
  • Fat malabsorption (not absorbing enough fat from your diet)
  • Liver disease (such as cirrhosis )
  • Vitamin K deficiency
  • Taking the blood thinning drug called warfarin (Coumadin)

 

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 from having blood drawn are 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 done 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.

 

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            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.

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