Prevalence of factor V Leiden in a Canadian blood donor population.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of factor V Leiden in a Canadian blood donor population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional laboratory study.

SETTING

Hamilton Centre of the Canadian Red Cross Society.

PARTICIPANTS

Volunteer donors who attended Hamilton Centre blood donor clinics over a 4-day period in August 1994; blood samples from 356 people were evaluable.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence of factor V Leiden.

RESULTS

Factor V Leiden was detected in 19 of the 356 people, for a prevalence rate of 5.3% (95% confidence interval 3.0% to 7.6%). All 19 people were shown to be heterozygous for the mutation.

CONCLUSION

Factor V Leiden is common in the Canadian population. Its prevalence is similar to that reported in other Western countries. These data are relevant in the clinical management of patients at risk for venous thrombosis and those with recurrent thrombotic disorders.