Anti Thrombin

The Antithrombin (AT III) Test is a blood test used to measure the level or activity of antithrombin, a natural protein that helps regulate blood clotting by preventing excessive clot formation.

This test helps healthcare professionals investigate Antithrombin Deficiency, a condition that may increase the risk of developing abnormal blood clots. It is commonly used in the evaluation of suspected inherited or acquired blood clotting disorders, particularly in individuals with recurrent or unexplained thrombosis.

What Does This Test Check?

• Measures antithrombin activity or levels in the blood, depending on the laboratory method.

• Helps investigate inherited or acquired Antithrombin Deficiency.

• Supports the evaluation of unexplained or recurrent blood clots.

• May assist in investigating conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

• Helps assess patients with a personal or family history of abnormal blood clotting.

• Provides additional diagnostic information alongside other thrombophilia and coagulation investigations.

Sample Requirements

• Sample Type: Blood collected in a Sodium Citrate Tube (PT Vial).

• Required Quantity: To be confirmed by the laboratory.

• Department: Hematology / Coagulation (subject to laboratory confirmation).

Patient Preparation

• Fasting is generally not required for the Antithrombin Test unless instructed by your doctor or laboratory.

• Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of blood clots or inherited clotting disorders.

• Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, particularly heparin, warfarin, or direct oral anticoagulants.

• Do not discontinue prescribed blood-thinning medications unless specifically advised by your doctor.

• Inform your healthcare provider if you have recently experienced a blood clot, undergone surgery, or been diagnosed with a serious illness.

• Follow any specific sample collection and timing instructions provided by the laboratory.

Important Information

The Antithrombin Test helps evaluate the body's natural ability to regulate blood clotting.

A low Antithrombin result may indicate reduced antithrombin activity or concentration, potentially increasing the risk of abnormal blood clot formation. Low levels may occur due to inherited Antithrombin Deficiency or acquired conditions such as liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

A normal Antithrombin result generally indicates that the measured antithrombin level or activity is within the laboratory's reference range. However, a normal result does not rule out all blood clotting disorders.

Antithrombin testing may include two different methods:

• Antithrombin Activity Test: Measures how effectively antithrombin functions in controlling blood clotting.

• Antithrombin Antigen Test: Measures the amount of antithrombin protein present in the blood.

The exact method used for this test should be confirmed with the laboratory.

Testing during an acute blood clotting event or while taking certain anticoagulant medications may affect results. Repeat testing may be recommended when clinically appropriate.

Additional investigations, such as Protein C, Protein S, Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin Gene Mutation, and other coagulation tests, may be recommended depending on the patient's clinical condition.

Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional alongside symptoms, medical history, family history, medications, and other relevant investigations.

Reporting Time: To be confirmed by the laboratory.

Please confirm test availability and sample collection requirements with the laboratory before booking.