Understanding the extent of the diagnostic potential of coagulation factors

The term 'coagulation factors' essentially describes a group of similar proteins involved in hemostasis, which in turn describes the process of homeostasis that permits maintenance of blood flow within the circulation. When hemostasis becomes 'defective', the homeostatic balance is disturbed and this, depending on the direction of change, can lead to either a bleeding or a procoagulant (i.e., thrombotic) phenotype. Neither situation is desirable. Simplistically, 'hyper-activity' of the coagulation system, as represented by an excess of coagulation factors, or their disproportionate activation leading to 'priming' of hemostasis, can lead to a procoagulant phenotype. Vice versa, 'hypo-activity' of the coagulation system, as represented by insufficiency of coagulation factors or their activity, can lead to a bleeding phenotype. Measurements of coagulation proteins are often performed to assist in the diagnosis and management of conditions associated with bleeding phenotypes, and less often to help explain a prothrombotic tendency.