The Common Pathway

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Fundamentals of Hemostasis. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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The Common Pathway

The common pathway is sometimes referred to as the final common pathway or thrombin pathway. It starts with the activation of factor X by way of the intrinsic pathway, the extrinsic pathway, or both.

Factor X is also referred to as either Stuart-Prower Factor or Thrombokinase. It is produced in the liver and is vitamin K dependent.
Activated factor X (Xa), in the presence of factor V (necessary cofactor), ionized calcium, and platelet factor act to convert prothrombin (precursor) to its active form, thrombin, by cleaving the prothrombin molecule.