Protein C Activity Functional Citrated plasma Test

Protein c test measured to analyse the cause of a blood clot known as thromboembolism, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE); and to determine whether you have a protein C or S deficiency.

Your doctor would recommend protein c test for you if he finds blood clots in your body especially if you are younger.

Protein C and protein S are two primary proteins in the blood that help regulate the formation of blood clot. Usually, protein c and protein s are measured together to investigate possibility of clotting issues. Normally when there is an injury, a process called as haemostasis starts to stop the bleeding. Small cell fragments called platelets adhere to and form at the injury to restricting the blood flow.

Proteins C acts as a primary agent to protein C. The two work together to help regulate and control blood clot formation by inactivating specific coagulation factors that are needed to create the blood clots. Hence, if there are not enough protein c and s, the clot formation can go unnoticed and the condition can range from mild to severe.

This test  is done if you have an unexplained blood clot, or a family history of blood clots. A lack of this protein or problem with the function of this protein may cause blood clots to form in veins. An inherited decrease in protein C increases the patients risk for venous thromboembolism.
 

The test measures the levels of activated Protein C in the blood. 

The test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

Low levels are suggestive of  protein C deficiency which may cause the blood to clot too much. Protein C antigen deficiency can be inherited or acquired. Inherited deficiency is associated with venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism etc. Acquired deficiencies of protein C may occur in association with vitamin K deficiency, liver disease and DIC. Patients on oral anticoagulants will have decreased functional protein C values.
Increased levels usually occur in patients with diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and nephrotic syndrome or in patients on heparin therapy.