Factor VII assays.

Abstract

Several prospective and cross-sectional studies have proposed that an association exists between elevated coagulation factor VII levels and cardiovascular disease. Not all of these studies used the same method to assess the factor VII levels. Although the most common method is the one-stage factor assay, there are numerous variables in the composition of this assay. Also, factor VII may circulate in plasma in several forms. The relative contribution of each of these forms to the assay result is presently unknown. Future efforts may help to standardize factor VII assays, improve understanding of the influence of the various forms of factor VII, and identify nonfactor VII components that may both affect assay results and be potential indicators for risk of cardiovascular disease.