Factor VII activity test
Quick answer: This test measures the activity of factor VII, one of the proteins that helps blood clot. It is ordered when bleeding or a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) suggests factor VII deficiency, or in liver disease.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed; tell staff about any blood thinners you take.
How the test is done
- 1Blood is drawn from a vein into a light-blue citrate tube
- 2The tube is mixed gently and sent to the lab promptly
- 3Your plasma is mixed with plasma that lacks factor VII
- 4The clotting time is compared with a standard to give a percentage activity
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Results are usually given as a percentage of normal activity; ranges differ between labs, so discuss them with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
Low factor VII activity can be seen with an inherited factor VII deficiency, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency or warfarin treatment. High levels are not usually a concern on their own.
Who usually has this test
People with a long prothrombin time, unusual bleeding, or a family history of factor VII deficiency.
Risks and aftercare
Bruising is possible, so press firmly on the site.
Names and options
Also called: factor 7 assay, FVII
Listed by the hospital as
- FACTOR VII, CITRATE PLASMA
Questions about this test
Why is factor VII tested when my PT is long?
Factor VII affects the PT but not the APTT. If your PT is long and your APTT is normal, factor VII is one of the first factors doctors check.
Can vitamin K affect factor VII?
Yes, the liver needs vitamin K to make factor VII. Low vitamin K or a blood thinner such as warfarin lowers it.
Is factor VII deficiency inherited?
It can be, and it is usually passed on when both parents carry the gene change. Many people with a mild deficiency have few symptoms.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.