How to Detect Hemophilia in a Human

Hemophilia is actually two different disorders (hemophilia A and B) that have similar effects; it is more difficult for people with hemophilia to stop bleeding because they do not have enough of a clotting factor in their blood. These conditions have a strong genetic component, so people whose family members are known to have had a clotting disorder can be aware that they are at risk. Tests can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of a clotting disorder.

Things You'll Need

• Blood tests as recommended by a doctor

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Instructions

Detecting Hemophilia

• 1

  Have developing fetuses tested for hemophilia. According to the Mayo Clinic, this option is available for people who know that clotting disorders run in their families and can let parents know whether or not they've passed the condition along to their children.

• 2

  Consider testing for hemophilia if you have difficulty clotting. The Mayo Clinic reports that this difficulty is commonly detected in a clinical environment, such as experiencing prolonged bleeding after surgery, at which point your doctor may recommend testing.

• 3

  Undergo tests as recommended by your doctor for hemophilia A. These include tests to check for activity of serum factor VIII, tests to measure prothrombrin and PTT times (clotting) and bleeding times as well as to measure a clotting protein known as fibrinogen, according to Medline Plus.

• 4

  Take tests as recommended by your doctor for hemophilia B. According to Medline Plus, these include the same tests as for hemophilia, although instead of monitoring factor VIII, tests for hemophilia screen for factor IX.