Combat Gauze activates which clotting factor in the clotting process?

Combat Gauze activates which clotting factor in the clotting process?

• A. Factor VIII
• B. Factor XII
• C. Factor IX
• D. Factor VII

Answer: (B)

Combat Gauze works by providing a surface that triggers contact activation of Factor XII. When blood touches the kaolin-impregnated gauze, Factor XII becomes activated to XIIa, which starts the intrinsic coagulation cascade and sets off a chain where XI, IX, and eventually X are activated, leading to rapid thrombin generation and fibrin formation to form a clot. This surface-initiated pathway is driven by Factor XII, unlike the extrinsic pathway that begins with tissue factor and Factor VII. So the clotting boost comes from activating Factor XII.

Combat Gauze works by providing a surface that triggers contact activation of Factor XII. When blood touches the kaolin-impregnated gauze, Factor XII becomes activated to XIIa, which starts the intrinsic coagulation cascade and sets off a chain where XI, IX, and eventually X are activated, leading to rapid thrombin generation and fibrin formation to form a clot. This surface-initiated pathway is driven by Factor XII, unlike the extrinsic pathway that begins with tissue factor and Factor VII. So the clotting boost comes from activating Factor XII.