Chapter 6 A Journey with Bleeding Time Factor

Abstract The primary focus of this review is the research that resulted in the discovery of a new factor (von Willebrand factor, VWF) in the coagulation of blood; the prime motor in initial haemostasis. Further research that lead to the identification of VWF as a multimeric protein that interacts with vessel wall and platelets is also considered, as is the regulation of this factor's activity in blood, an important aspect of both haemostasis and thrombosis.