Blood coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is essential for maintaining hemostasis. The absence of FXIII results in severe bleeding diathesis, which without prophylaxis frequently leads to fatal bleeding. As the usual hemostasis screening tests remain normal, the diagnosis of FXIII deficiency needs specific tests. Here, we describe FXIII activity determination by the ammonia release assay, which is the first-line test in the diagnostic algorithm for FXIII deficiency. The method for another activity test, the undeservedly rarely used fibrin cross-linking assay, is also presented. Further tests used for the classification of FXIII deficiencies, measurement of FXIII activity in platelets, ELISAs for the measurement of complex plasma FXIII (FXIII-A2B2) antigen and for FXIII-A2 in plasma and platelets are also included. Detailed description of the methods for the detection and measurement of neutralizing auto- and alloantibodies is also provided.
Keywords: Factor XIII; Factor XIII activity assay; Factor XIII-A antigen assay; Factor XIII-A2B2 antigen assay; Fibrin cross-linking assay; Inhibitory anti-FXIII-A antibody; Neutralizing antibody.