Medical

                        Thrombocytes !                                     Clotting Factors ! The clotting factors are a group of chemicals in the blood which is responsible for the formation of blood clot. Clotting factors are usually inactive but once there is an injury to the wall of the blood vessel, they get activated. The function of clotting factors is to trigger the formation of a blood clot and stabilize it for as long as necessary. Clotting factors are therefore known as procoagulants. Factor I — Fibrinogen; common pathway; converted to fibrin. Factor II — Prothrombin; common pathway; converted to thrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. Factor III — Tissue factor (TF) or thromboplastin; extrinsic pathway. Factor IV — Calcium ions (Ca2+); always present, needed for coagulation. Factor V — Labile factor, Proaccelerin; common pathway. Factor VI — not used Factor VII — Stable factor, Proconvertin; both extrinsic & intrinsic pathway. Factor VI

v Antistreptolysin O titer Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer is a blood test to measure  antibodies  against streptolysin O, a substance produced by group A streptococcus bacteria. Antibodies are proteins our bodies produce when they detect harmful substances, such as bacteria. How the Test is Performed A blood sample is needed. How to Prepare for the Test DO NOT eat for 6 hours before the test. How the Test will Feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick. After the test, you may have some throbbing at the site. Antistreptolysin O titer Why the Test is Performed You will need the test if you have symptoms of a previous infection by group A streptococcus. Some illnesses caused by this bacteria are: ·          Bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart ·          A kidney problem called  glomerulonephritis ·          Rheumatic fever , which can affect the heart, joints, or b