Innovative Von Willebrand Factor Test Launched in US

A center for blood diseases has launched a new test in the United States to more accurately measure activity of von Willebrand Factor (VWF), one of the blood-clotting proteins, for people with the inherited bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease (VWD).

The new assay – “VWF GPIbM Activity” – was launched by BloodCenter of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI, USA), part of Versiti. The test employs patented technology previously not used in the USA that provides more precise measurement of VWF platelet-binding activity – critical for making an accurate diagnosis of VWD. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the first organization to make this test available in the US in a clinical laboratory setting.

Though there is no cure for VWD, treatment can help prevent or stop bleeding episodes. Making the most accurate diagnosis is critical to identifying the most appropriate treatment to manage the disease.

VWF GPIbM Activity detects qualitative VWF defects, reducing variability and providing more precise, reliable, and sensitive test results. Clinical hematologists can thus be more confident that the results reflect their patient’s clinical scenario.

“As a physician caring for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders, this development is an exciting advancement in von Willebrand disease diagnostics,” said Johnathan Roberts, MD, of the Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute (Peoria, IL, USA), “This assay will reduce some of the diagnostic challenges in caring for individuals with VWD.”