Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Factor XIII (also known as Fibrin Stabilising Factor) is an enzyme of the blood coagulation system that corss-links and stabilises fibrin during clot formation. It is activated by thrombin when fibrinogen is converted to fibrin. The results of clotting screening tests are all normal, as the clot forms normally, but is not stable. The assay is used in the investigation of easy bruising/bleeding and other cases where a bleeding disorder must be ruled out. it is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder and symptoms are not usually seen in heterzygotes, with levels needing to be <1% for clinical symptoms to manifest. The classical feature of severe Factor XIII deficiency is a bleeding umbilical stump – the clot breaks down after initial formation when the cord is cut
Specimen container paediatric:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Specimen container adult:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Minimum volume paediatric:
1.3mL
Minimum volume adult:
2.7mL
Special requirements:
Tube must be correctly filled to line, to ensure correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant, ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
4 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Freq analysis:
As required or weekly
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Blood Coagulation
Reference ranges:
50 – 150IU/dL
Note: For Haemostatic tests, paediatric reference ranges may be different to adult ranges.
Other info :
A quantitative assay of coagulation factor XIII.