Which clotting factors are most affected by temperature?

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The choice indicating that Factor V and VIII are most affected by temperature is accurate due to their sensitivity to thermal conditions, which can significantly influence their activities. Both these factors are labile, which means they can degrade or lose functionality at varying temperatures.

Factor V is known to be particularly unstable and has a short half-life; it is sensitive to temperature changes during storage and processing. Similarly, Factor VIII, which plays a critical role in the coagulation cascade, also requires specific temperature conditions to remain active. When exposed to higher temperatures, Factor VIII can become inactivated, leading to a decreased ability to support coagulation.

In the context of the other clotting factors listed in the options, although some may have specific conditions under which they are affected, Factor V and VIII remain the most prominently impacted by temperature variations within clinical and laboratory settings. This key understanding is crucial in settings such as blood storage, where maintaining appropriate temperatures is vital to preserving the function of these coagulation factors.

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