Abstract

Tissue Factor is the initiator of the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation.  It is

generated in blood as a result of a variety of diseases and conditions and is, in part, responsible for the majority of morbidity and mortality in humans. In spite of this potential release during major trauma or diseases, there are few rapid clinical whole blood coagulation tests that can monitor the early generation of tissue factor. This study will evaluate whether endotoxin enhances the procoagulant effects of tissue factor on human blood and plasma.