The Journal of surgical research
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The need for factor XIII (FXIII) in fibrin sealant is subject to discussions. Some commercially available fibrin sealants (FS) contain high levels of FXIII (up to 70-80 U/mL) while others contain low levels or none. The objective of the present studies was to investigate the need for FXIII in FS. ⋯ FXIII, when added to fibrinogen concentrate in FS, improved fibrin cross-linking and clot strength. FXIII containing FS achieved more effective hemostasis than FXIII depleted FS. FXIII is an essential component of commercial FS and should be present in FS at an optimal concentration of about 40-80 U/mL.