Factor XIII activity

Description: 
FXIII in test plasma is activated by thrombin to FXIIIa which then cross-links glycine-ethyl ester to a specific glutamine containing peptide substrate, which results in release of ammonia. The released ammonia is then reacted with NADH and α-ketoglutarate, which in the presence of glutamate dehydrogenase, generates NAD and glutamate. FXIII activity is derived by measuring the speed of change in absorbance after the reaction reaches its linear phase. NADH consumption is directly proportional to the level of FXIII in the test sample.
Clinical details: 
FXIII is crucial to effective haemostasis by stabilising blood clots. Inherited FXIII deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder and is also associated with poor wound healing and recurrent miscarriage.
Reference range: 

63.8 - 134.6

Units: 
IU/dl
Sample type and Volume required: 
External requests: Citrated platelet poor plasma
450µL x 1 aliquot
Internal requests: please refer to EPR label

Turnaround time: 
10 days
Special sample instructions: 

The sample should be analysed or manipulated & stored in the laboratory within 4 hours of venepuncture. Please ensure sample tubes are filled exactly to the fill-line as underfilling creates a dilution error and leads to inaccurate results.

Contacts:
Diagnostic Haemostasis and Thrombosis Department
St Thomas': 020 7188 2797; Guy's: 020 7188 7188 ext. 53860
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 4th and 5th Floors
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH

Laboratory opening times
24/7

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT

Outside core hours, contact Duty Haemostasis Biomedical Scientist
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 09/03/2017