What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of antithrombin in the blood. Antithrombin is a protein in the blood that regulates clot formation. Antithrombin works as a blood thinner and its deficiency may lead to excessive clot formation.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To find the cause of abnormal blood clots in the body
- To diagnose congenital or acquired antithrombin deficiency
- To screen blood relatives of patients with antithrombin deficiency
- To monitor the efficacy of treatment.
- What are the types of Antithrombin deficiency?
There are two types of antithrombin deficiencies:
- Type 1: Insufficient quantity of antithrombin proteins
- Type 2: Poor quality of antithrombin proteins
- How to differentiate between type 1 and 2 antithrombin deficiencies?
Antithrombin deficiencies can be differentiated by performing the following test(s):
- Antithrombin antigen: Evaluates the function of antithrombin present
- Antithrombin activity: Measures the quantity of antithrombin present
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- How to prepare for this test?
Your doctor may ask you to stop the use of certain medicines such as Warfarin, heparin, and certain chemotherapeutic agents before the test. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to allow easy blood sample collection.
- What other tests along this are ordered by the doctor?
To find the cause of unwanted clots, your doctor may recommend these tests together:
- Antithrombin test
- Protein-C test
- Protein-S test
- What might affect my test results?
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Asparaginase
- DIC
- Severe burns or trauma
- Acute blood clots.
