How to Test for Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a hereditary condition in which the blood has difficulty clotting. This can be especially dangerous because, in the event of a cut or breaking of the skin, a person's bleeding may not stop. There are two types of hemophilia--A and B. Hemophilia A, or "classic hemophilia," makes up about 80 percent of all cases and involves the presence of the defective clotting factor VIII. Hemophilia B, or Christmas disease, means there is a deficiency of coagulation factor IX. Like type A, hemophilia B occurs in virtually all cultures all over the world. Testing for hemophilia is important and relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

• Family history
• Blood test
• Notebook

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Instructions

Check for Symptoms of Hemophilia

• 1

  Watch out for excessive or prolonged bleeding when a cut, abrasion or scratch is present.

• 2

  Look for spontaneous bleeding. Any bleeding that occurs without any apparent reason warrants serious medical attention.

• 3

  Pay attention to bruising. Any excessive bruising or bruises that stay around for a long time should be checked out.

• 4

  Look for swelling or pain that results from bleeding into the muscles and joints.

• 5

  Check for blood in the feces or urine. Any blood found in these bodily fluids or secretions should be examined by a doctor immediately.

Test for Hemophilia

• 6

  Keep a notebook of any symptoms you experience. Should you notebook indicate you have excessive bleeding after injury or difficulty healing, your doctor may want to test for hemophilia right away.

• 7

  Obtain a physical examination from a doctor. This process will confirm the presence of any bruises or other outwardly apparent symptoms.

• 8

  Report any family history. Hemophilia is a disorder that is inherited.

• 9

  Order a blood test to confirm any suspicion or diagnosis made from a physical examination. Such a test will look for the time it takes for the blood to clot and for the amount of coagulation factors present or absent in the blood.