Laboratory Medicine Program

Factor XIII Activity
(Factor 13)

Clinical Decription:
The transglutaminase factor XIIIa, produced by the action of thrombin on coagulation factor XIII, produces the covalent cross-link formation in fibrin that stabilizes the fresh fibrin clot. F XIII has been discussed as an essential element in wound healing. The determination of factor XIII allows the assessment of conditions of factor XIII activity deficiency. Such conditions may be caused by plasma levels that are too low or by functional defects. Decreased plasma levels occur in congenital F XIII deficiency or through the activation of coagulation, as in consumption coagulopathy. Levels of F XIII are typically lower following serious operations. This can lead to reduced resilience of the wound closure with reopening of the wound site.

Method: Chromogenic; Siemens Sysmex CS-5100

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
> 0.58 IU/mL

Specimen Type: Citrated plasma
Collected In: 3.2% Sodium Citrate
Volume: 1.0 mL (minimum: 1.0 mL)

Shipping: Send frozen on dry ice.

Special Instructions: Patient should be fasting, if possible. Anticoagulants should be held for a requisite amount of time prior to testing to ensure no anticoagulant effect on the plasma. The specimen must be double-centrifuged to obtain a platelet-poor plasma specimen (Plt <10x10E9/L): 1. Immediately centrifuge specimen at 1500xG for 10 minutes. 2. Separate the plasma from the platelet/buffy coat and transfer into a clean plastic tube. 3. Centrifuge the separated plasma at 1500xG for 10 minutes. 4. Transfer 1.0 to 2.0 mL of the double-centrifuged plasma into a clean plastic tube, leaving approx. 200 uL for discard. 5. Freeze plasma aliquot immediately for storage. Maintain frozen for shipping and handling.

Testing Schedule(s): Monday through Friday 0900-1500 hrs.

Turnaround Time: 5 days

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227