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Abdul Mannan – VWF:RCo for Diagnosing von Willebrand Disease: That Test Might Be Failing Your Patients
Abdul Mannan/LinkedIn
Jan 5, 2026, 14:17

Abdul Mannan – VWF:RCo for Diagnosing von Willebrand Disease: That Test Might Be Failing Your Patients

Abdul Mannan, Consultant Haematologist at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, shared on LinkedIn:

“Are you still using VWF:RCo to diagnose von Willebrand Disease (vWD)?
That test might be failing your patients.

Here’s the problem: VWF:RCo uses ristocetin, an antibiotic, to force an artificial interaction between VWF and platelets. It doesn’t measure how VWF actually works in the body. And it has a serious blind spot.

The D1472H gene variant is present in 63% of African Americans. This variant causes VWF:RCo to give falsely low results. Same patient. Same blood. Wrong answer. This leads to misdiagnosis based purely on genetics.

Why VWF:GPIbM is the better choice:

  • It uses engineered GPIb receptors that bind VWF directly, mimicking what happens in real life
  • It measures true physiological function, not an artificial reaction
  • It’s unaffected by the D1472H variant
  • It shows better reproducibility, especially at low VWF levels
  • It’s now recommended in ASH/ISTH/NHF/WFH guidelines (Blood Advances, 2021)

Think of it this way. VWF:RCo is like checking if a key fits by looking at scratches on the keyhole. VWF:GPIbM actually turns the door handle to see if the lock works.

If your lab still reports only VWF:RCo, it might be time for a conversation with your laboratory team. Equitable diagnosis shouldn’t depend on a patient’s ethnic background.

What assay does your lab use for VWF activity?”

Abdul Mannan – VWF:RCo for Diagnosing von Willebrand Disease: That Test Might Be Failing Your Patients

More posts featuring Abdul Mannan on Hemostasis Today.

Abdul Mannan bleeding disorders Blood Doctor GPIb Health Hemostasis Hemostasis News Hemostasis Today medical education Medicine platelets ristocetin thrombosis Von Willebrand von Willebrand disease (VWD) VWF VWF:RCo
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