Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out if the clotting factors in your blood are working properly. When you are injured, your body tries to stop the bleeding by making a blood clot. Your body uses clotting factors to make blood clots. A clot keeps your body from bleeding more and stays in place until the injured area is healed. ‚
If you have too many or too few clotting factors, you could have a serious health problem. The doctor may order clotting factor levels to: ‚
- Learn why you are having too much bleeding or bruising
- See if your family has a history of clotting problems
- See how well your treatment is working
- Check for low levels of blood clotting factors or vitamins
- Get information on a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
- Check how well your liver is working
- Go along with other tests like a PT or PTT
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way. You are likely able to make blood clots in a normal way and amount.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness.
- Low levels of clotting factors may mean your body has more problems making blood clots and you are more likely to bleed.
- High levels of clotting factors may mean you are at a higher risk to make more clots than your body needs.
- Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not normal or to learn more about a diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking, including vitamins and supplements
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood and send the results to your doctor. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may continue your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your clotting factors. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/coagulation-factors/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚