A patient with a genetic mutation has normal levels of all clotting factors, yet their blood clots very slowly. Which mechanism explains this phenomenon?

💡 Explanation

Defective fibrin cross-linking by Factor XIII leads to unstable clot formation, because it prevents the fibrin mesh from properly stabilizing the platelet plug; therefore, even with normal clotting factor levels, the clot is weak and breaks down quickly, rather than forming a stable, durable barrier.

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