Control Plasma for vWF Testing

A normal control plasma has been added to a ristocetin cofactor assay line, the family of reagents used with platelet aggregation to estimate the quantity of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) in plasma samples.

A deficiency of vWF affects platelet function, and accurate measurements can aid the diagnosis of von Willibrand disease (vWD). The disorder is 100 times more common than hemophilia and often goes undiagnosed. A study found that 10-25% of women with vWD had undergone hysterectomy before being diagnosed with this bleeding disorder. The disease can cause anemia and surgical complications. A growing awareness of the disease has resulted in a demand for better testing.

The control plasma for the ristocetin cofactor assay line was developed by Bio/Data Corp. (Horsham, PA, USA; www.biodatacorp.com) and is used in conjunction with the company's platelet aggregation Profiler to estimate vWF in plasma samples. The company also distributes hemostasis and platelet function laboratory products in order to attract customers who want to reduce assay variability and prefer one-stop shopping.

"Customers have been asking where they could purchase a normal control plasma and why we didn't make it,” said Rodney W. Scarpelli, quality assurance manager for Bio/Data. "Now we can tell them: right here, at Bio/Data.”

"This addition to our product line eliminates the variability created by using different reagent manufacturers with different standards and controls,” added Eugene J. Messa, president and CEO of Bio/Data.




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