OVERVIEW
What is blood clotting?
A natural process in the body that involves platelets & proteins known as “clotting factors”. The platelets or thrombocytes are type of blood cells that are made by the bone marrow. Whereas clotting factors are proteins made by the liver. Together they work when a blood vessel breaks (injury occurs). First platelets arrive at the area of damage and seal the leak/temporarily stop bleeding. Then clotting factors help make the clot (lump of blood to prevent bleeding) strong & stable. Clotting factors are numbered from I to XII, all working together in sequence.
What is Factor IX level lab test?
Factor VIII and factor IX are involved in last step of clotting process and helps in creation of a net for closing the torn blood vessel. Hence, in case of clotting factor IX deficiency due to abnormal gene, it causes hemophilia B (a bleeding disorder) in children. This lab test helps to evaluate the functioning/activity of factor IX in blood clotting. This test is also known as antihaemophilia factor B test.
Why is Factor IX level lab test done?
The test is done:
• As it helps find out/diagnose whether you’ve hemophilia B or another clotting disorder
• As helps in monitoring treatment of hemophilia B
• When the person shows signs and symptoms of clotting disorder like easy bruising, nosebleeds, excessive bleeding after dental procedure/mouth injury, blood in urine, & swollen/painful joints.
• As it helps identify reason behind abnormal result on other clotting tests like PTT (partial thromboplastin time) or PT (prothrombin time)
• When a child has a family member with a bleeding disorder
• For assessing the impact of liver disease on hemostasis (process to prevent and stop bleeding)