Christmas factor assay

Definition

Factor IX assay is a blood test that measures the activity of factor IX -- one of the substances involved in coagulation (blood clotting).

Alternative Names

Christmas factor assay; Serum factor IX

Why the Christmas factor assay is Performed

This test is used to detect the specific cause of too much bleeding (decreased blood clotting).

How the Christmas factor assay is Performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Christmas factor assay

The health care provider may advise you to stop taking drugs that may affect the test.

How the Christmas factor assay Will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Risks

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

This test is most often performed on people who have bleeding problems. The risk of excessive bleeding is slightly greater than for people without bleeding problems.

Considerations

When you bleed, the body launches a series of activities that help the blood clot. This is called the coagulation cascade. The process involves special proteins called coagulation factors. Each factor's reaction triggers the next reaction. The final product of the coagulation cascade is the blood clot.

Normal Results

A normal value is 50-200% of the laboratory control or reference value.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Decreased factor IX activity may indicate:

• Congenital deficiency of factor IX (hemophilia B)
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Fat malabsorption
• Liver disease (such as cirrhosis)
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Warfarin administration

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