Diagnostic problems of von Willebrand's disease in a general hospital laboratory

The expression of variant types of von Willebrand's disease can present an elusive diagnostic problem. Bleeding history of patients can vary greatly, as can the results of tests for the components of the Factor VIII complex. Recent advances in characterizing and measuring the factor VIII complex have greatly improved the diagnosis of the variant forms of von Willebrand's disease. However, some of the less sophisticated procedures, which are more readily available, can still be utilized by the routine general hospital laboratory to identify or suspect the occasional case of von Willebrand's disease. These points are exemplified in this report of seven family members who were studied.