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Protein C blood test
Protein C is a normal substance in the body that prevents blood clotting. A blood test can be done to see how much of this protein you have in your blood.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
Blood sample
Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.
How to Prepare for the Test
Certain medicines can change blood test results.
- Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take.
- Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test. This may include drugs that prevent blood clots (blood thinners).
- Do not stop or change your medicines without talking to your doctor first.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
You may need this test if you have an unexplained blood clot, or a family history of blood clots. Protein C helps control blood clotting. A lack of this protein or problem with the function of this protein may cause blood clots to form in veins.
The test is also used to screen relatives of persons who are known to have protein C deficiency . It may also be done to find the reason for repeated miscarriages.
Protein C deficiency
Congenital protein C or S deficiency is a lack of proteins C or S in the fluid part of the blood. The proteins are natural substances that help prev...
Normal Results
Normal values are 60 to 150% inhibition.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A lack (deficiency) of protein C can lead to excess clotting . These clots tend to form in veins, not arteries.
Clotting
Bleeding is the loss of blood. Bleeding may be:Inside the body (internally) Outside the body (externally)Bleeding may occur:Inside the body when blo...
Protein C deficiency can be passed down through families (inherited). It can also develop with other conditions, such as:
- Chemotherapy use
-
Disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become over active (
disseminated intravascular coagulation
)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become overactive.
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- Long-term antibiotic use
- Warfarin (Coumadin) use
A problem such as a sudden blood clot in the lung may reduce the protein S level.
Sudden blood clot in the lung
A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs. The most common cause of the blockage is a blood clot.
Protein C level rises with age, but this does not cause any health problems.
Risks
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size so it may be harder to take a blood sample from one person than another.
Other slight risks from having blood drawn may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Anderson J, Weitz JI. Hypercoagulable states. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 142.
McPherson RA. Specific proteins. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 19.
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Review Date: 1/27/2015
Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
