| abstract |
A method and diagnostic kit are disclosed for screening plasma for von Willebrand's disease (deficiency factor VIIIR:WF activity) and for abnormalities in other blood components in human and animal blood. The disclosed dianostic kit permits rapid, relatively inexpensive differentiation between individuals having Type I and Type II von Willebrand's disease, respectively, can be used in a semi-quantitative determination of the quantity of factor VIIIR:WF activity in blood products, and can also be used to detect Bernard-Soulier syndrome. Cryopreserved, fixed, fresh-washed and artificial platelets, and ristocetin, ristomycin, polybrene, and a derivative of snake venom, can be used in the diagnostic kit. |