Faculty of Health Sciences assistant professor video manuscript published in JoVE

Dr. John A. Samis, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences recently published a video manuscript in the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) entitled Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay. JoVE is the first scientific video journal in the world and aims to increase the productivity of scientific research.

This novel microplate method outlines a simple, inexpensive, and rapid measurement of FV activity in human plasma. The assay utilizes a kinetic microplate reader to monitor the absorbance change at 405nm during fibrin formation in human plasma.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an acquired coagulopathy that most often develops from pre-existing infections. DIC is associated with a poor prognosis and increases mortality above the pre-existing pathology. The assay was used to show that in nine patients with DIC, the FV one-stage, two-stage, and total activities were decreased, on average, by 54 per cent, 44 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively, compared with normal pooled human reference plasma.

The FV microplate assay is easily adaptable to measure the activity of any coagulation factor making it suitable for a broad range of research and clinical applications. It will increase our understanding of FV biochemistry through a more accurate and complete measurement of its activity in research and clinical settings. This information will positively impact healthcare environments through earlier diagnosis and development of more effective treatments for coagulation disorders, such as DIC.

Dr. Samis’ research was supported by UOIT’s Professional Development and Research Startup and a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Health (CIHR) Professional Student Research Award to Irina Levit. The authors acknowledge Shannon Everett, Multi-Media Developer, UOIT and Dr. Bill Muirhead, Associate Provost, Academic and IT, UOIT for their expertise and assistance preparing the video. The research was also supported by Dr. Ellen Vogel, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, UOIT and Dr. Michael Owen, Vice-president, Research, Innovation and International.