Clotting factors and platelets. Immunofluorescence evidence that fibrinogen and factor VIII are present in human washed platelets, whereas prothrombin complex factors and factor XIII are lacking.

Factor I (fibrinogen) and factor VIII were shown, by an indirect immuno-fluorescence technique, to be present in human washed platelets. In the case of fibrinogen, the immunofluorescent pattern had a ‘clod distribution’ up to a 1:128 dilution of the anti-serum. Factor VIII showed a ‘speckled’ pattern up to the 1:64 dilution. Cross-absorption studies confirmed the presence of such factors. Factor II, VII, IX, X and XIII, however, were not found in washed platelets. A diffuse fluorescence was noted using normal rabbit sera, but this was due to a cross-reaction, since it disappeared using a 1:32 diluted sera. © 1977 S. Karger AG, Basel.