Which condition is characterized by prolonged clotting time due to a hereditary factor?

Hemophilia is a hereditary condition that affects the blood's ability to clot properly. It is primarily caused by a deficiency in one of the blood coagulation factors, often factor VIII or factor IX. Individuals with hemophilia experience prolonged clotting times because their bodies lack the necessary components to form a stable blood clot. This deficiency leads to increased bleeding during injuries or surgical procedures and can also result in spontaneous bleeding episodes.

In contrast, anemia refers to a condition where there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport in the body, but it does not inherently affect clotting times. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to increased bleeding; however, it is not a hereditary factor in the same way that hemophilia is. Hypercoagulability involves an increased tendency for the blood to clot, which is the opposite of what occurs in hemophilia. Thus, hemophilia stands out as the specific condition linked to prolonged clotting time due to a hereditary factor.