What does elevated antithrombin levels mean?

Antithrombin protects us from clotting too much. If antithrombin levels are low, a person will have a tendency to clot more easily. If antithrombin levels are too high, a person could, theoretically, have a bleeding tendency.

How do you test for antithrombin deficiency?

Antithrombin assays If low, then antithrombin antigen is measured to look for mutations consistent with type II disease. The single most commonly used test for antithrombin III assay is thrombin-heparin cofactor level. Avoid measuring antithrombin III while the patient is on heparin or even warfarin.

What does low antithrombin mean?

A low blood level of antithrombin suggests that the patient may have antithrombin deficiency. However, it is important to keep in mind that many conditions can lower antithrombin levels (acute clots, heparin therapy, liver or kidney disease, etc.) without the patient having inherited antithrombin deficiency.

How long does an antithrombin test take?

Test Results: 8-12 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.

What is factor five blood disorder?

Factor V Leiden (FAK-tur five LIDE-n) is a mutation of one of the clotting factors in the blood. This mutation can increase your chance of developing abnormal blood clots, most commonly in your legs or lungs. Most people with factor V Leiden never develop abnormal clots.

What is antithrombin test?

The antithrombin activity test measures how well the protein inhibits thrombin. The antithrombin antigen test measures how much antithrombin protein your body has made, regardless of how well it functions. As explained below, the 2 tests can be used together to find out if you have type 1 or type 2 AT deficiency.

Is antithrombin 3 deficiency a bleeding disorder?

Hereditary antithrombin deficiency is a disorder of blood clotting. People with this condition are at higher than average risk for developing abnormal blood clots, particularly a type of clot that occurs in the deep veins of the legs.

What is a normal antithrombin level?

The normal range for AT levels at the time of the three studies was 73 to 132 IU/dL with a coefficient of variation of < 10% (2 to 8%). Demographic data including maternal age, race, gestational age, height, weight, medical comorbidities, and personal habits (i.e. tobacco use) were obtained at enrollment.

What does antithrombin mean?

Antithrombin is a protein produced by the liver that helps regulate blood clot formation (i.e., a naturally-occurring mild blood thinner). Antithrombin testing measures the activity (function) and the amount (quantity) of antithrombin in an individual’s blood and is used to evaluate the person for excessive blood clotting.

What does antithrombin III mean?

Antithrombin III (ATIII) is a nonvitamin K-dependent protease that inhibits coagulation by neutralizing the enzymatic activity of thrombin (factors IIa, IXa, Xa).

What is antithrombin III?

Antithrombin III (AT III) is a protein that helps control blood clotting. A blood test can determine the amount of AT III present in your body. A blood sample is needed. Certain medicines may affect the results of the test. Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain medicines or reduce their dose before the test.