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Factor VIII
Factor VIII (FVIII) is an essential clotting factor. A damaged FVIII causes Hemophilia A, a bleeding disorder. This gene encodes coagulation factor VIII, which participates in the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation; factor VIII is a cofactor for factor IXa which, in the presence of Ca+2 and phospholipids, converts factor X to the activated form Xa. This gene produces two alternatively spliced transcripts. Transcript variant 1 encodes a large glycoprotein, isoform a, which circulates in plasma and associates with von Willebrand factor in a noncovalent complex. This protein undergoes multiple cleavage events. Transcript variant 2 encodes a putative small protein, isoform b, which consists primarily of the phospholipid binding domain of factor VIIIc. This binding domain is essential for coagulant activity. Defects in this gene results in hemophilia A, a common recessive X-linked coagulation disorder.
Factor VIII Assay
The factor VIII assay is a blood test that measures the activity of factor VIII -- one of the substances involved in blood clotting (coagulation). This test is used to find the cause of too much bleeding (decreased blood clotting), or if a family member is known to have hemophilia A. The test may also be done to see how well treatment for hemophilia A is working.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.