There are several factors responsible for blood clotting in the body. For the discussion, I will examine ten factors and the role they in blood clotting. The factor I is fibrinogen which is adhesive protein responsible for forming the fibrin clot. The second factor of factor II is known as prothrombin that is responsible for forming the enzyme of coagulation when activated. Factor III is a Tissue factor which is a lipoprotein initiator of extrinsic. The calcium ion is the fourth factor of Factor IV, calcium ion is a metal action needed for the coagulation reactions. The fifth-factor is the labile factor responsible for the conversion of the prothrombin to thrombin. Proconvertin id the Factor VII which is responsible for initiating the extrinsic pathway.

Factor VIII is called antihemophilic factor that is responsible for the activation of factor X as a cofactor. Factor IX is the Christmas factor which is an activated form of the enzyme responsible for intrinsic factor X activation. Factor X, on the other hand, is known as the Stuart-power factor that is an enzyme for activating prothrombin. Plasma thromboplastin antecedent is the Factor XI which activates factor IX. Hageman factor is the factor XII which is responsible for initiating aPTT –based intrinsic pathway. Factor XIII, on the other hand, is Fibrin stabilizing, a transamidase capable of cross-linking fibrin clot.

Blood tests

CBC or Complete Blood Count is the measure of the blood makeup in the body. The blood tested in the test encompass white and red blood cells in addition to platelets. CBC check is significant for checking for anemia, examining health issues whose symptoms include weakness, bruising or exhaustion, checking the blood condition or examine the effects of chemotherapy on blood. MCV or Mean Corpuscular Volume measures the average blood size of the red blood cell in the body to regulate the number to the optimal level as high or low red blood cells may trigger anemia, vitamin deficiency among other diseases. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) tests the average hemoglobin concentration in the single red blood cell. Platelet count is necessary for the body as it aids in blood clotting. An average of 150,000 to 450,000 is recommended in a microliter of blood.

Hemoglobin electrophoresis measures the hemoglobin protein in the blood. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood and thus optimal amount is required. The test can also reveal the presence of some diseases like thalassemia, hemoglobin C disease, and sickle cell disease. Serum ferritin tests measure the ferritin amount in the blood, it is worth noting that ferritin blood cell contains iron an essential element in blood production. Total iron-binding capacity is a blood test used in gauging the amount of iron in the bloodstream. Iron is needed in the body to aid the formation of the hemoglobin.

Prothrombin time (PT) blood tests measure the time taken by the blood to clot. The bleeding problems can be checked using the test to assess the degree of platelets in aiding blood clotting. International normalized ratio (INR) represents the standard test done to monitor the manner of the blood clot particularly for the persons taking anti-clotting medication. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) measures are taken for the blood clot to form. When one gets cut, the coagulation factors works in unison to enhance blood clotting, thereby stopping the continuous flow of blood. The early highlighted coagulation factors are all necessary for blood coating and therefore partial thromboplastin time check defect of the specific coagulation factor.

Blood Diseases

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood cell disorder accompanied by abnormal protein content in the red blood cell. Signs and symptoms of the sickle cell disease include the swelling of the feet and hands, anemia and jaundice. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) arises when the blood has inadequate red blood cells as a result of the low iron content. The limited amount of iron in the body reduces the rate and amount of red blood cells produced in the body. Symptoms of IDA include headache, dizziness and poor appetite, extreme fatigue and brittle nail. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia results when the body lacks vitamin B12 produced in the stomach lining. Vitamin B12 aids the body in making healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia symptoms are not limited to feeling weak and tired, feeling numbness in the feet and hand. Folic acid deficiency anemia results from insufficient folic acid in the blood. Folic acid can be found in B vitamins and aids in making the red blood cells. A low level of folic acid causes megaloblastic anemia that raises the number of red blood cells above the normal. Signs and symptoms of folate-deficiency anemia include pale skin, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Aplastic anemia arises when the body ceases from producing enough new blood cells. The disease leaves the body feeling fatigued, with uncontrolled bleeding. Leukemia is a blood cell cancer that can affect the red and white blood cells and also platelets. The condition gives rise to frequent infections as the body remains weak to fight the diseases.

Blood Transfusion

The medical procedure of blood transfusion entails the procedures of adding blood from the external sources to the body of the patient. The procedure needs medical ethics and interventions as the screening is necessary to ensure the recipient is not affected by the new blood. Successful transfusion needs blood screening to identify the relevant blood type from the donor applicable to the receiver. The blood a receiver is given must be compatible with the blood type donated. The type can be A, B, AB, and O. if the consistency in the blood type is not considered, the antibodies in the receiver may attack the donated blood leading to more complications. Most of the world population has blood group O that can be donated to everyone. They are thus considered universal donors. The recipient with blood type AB can receive blood from any person of any blood group, they are considered universal receivers. Rhesus factor (Rh) also matters in blood transfusion. There are only two Rh, which can be either + or -. Rh+ only receives Rh+ blood, the same applies to the Rh-. Three common types of blood transfusion are common, they include red blood cells, platelets, and plasma transfusion. Risk and complication may also arise during the blood transfusion. They are not limited to an allergic reaction, and allergic reactions and acute immune hemolytic reactions that occur when the body attacks the red blood cell in the received blood. After the transfusion, the recipient needs to make regular checks on temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The test is required to check the effectiveness of the transfusion and the likely complications that may arise.