Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT)
Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT)
Lupus Anticoagulant Dilute Russell's Viper Venom Time (dRVVT) test is used to detect lupus anticoagulant (LA) in a blood sample. LA targets the phospholipids (lipid proteins) present in the cell membrane and can lead to frequent and unnatural blood clots.
This test is used to determine whether your body is producing proteins that lead to blood clotting issues. However, it does not test for lupus, an autoimmune condition.
Thus, getting a Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test done is recommended to detect LA in patients who are at high risk for thrombosis (formation of blood clots inside a vein or an artery) and in women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss
Symptoms of blood clotting
A few common symptoms of blood clots include:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Seizures
Headache
Who should get tested?
It is recommended to take this test if an individual:
Has repeated miscarriages
Has abnormal blood clots that could lead to heart attack or stroke
Has antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Has Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Has an unexpectedly long and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for a Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test. Ensure your doctor is aware of what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking. Ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely
Interpretation of the Test Results
Normal Dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT) screen ratio: A normal dRVVT screen ratio (<1.20) means that lupus anticoagulant (LA) is not detected in the blood sample.
Abnormal Dilute Russell viper venom time (dRVVT) screen ratio: An abnormal dRVVT screen ratio (>1.20) means that lupus anticoagulant (LA) is detected in the blood sample
FAQs
How is the sample collected for a Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes
What are the risks involved in Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle went in. Rarely, the site can become infected
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the result of a Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test?
Test result of a Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test is usually available within 36 hours after sample collection. However, it could take longer at times
What factors can affect a Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test result?
Consumption of anticoagulation medicines before the sample collection and also certain medicines for infections and cancer might affect the Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test result
Should I be concerned if my Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test result is abnormal?
If your Lupus Anticoagulant (dRVVT) test result is abnormal, a follow-up test to confirm the results will be performed within a few weeks. Your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, symptoms, and other factors to make a diagnosis and may order additional tests to determine the presence of lupus anticoagulant antibodies.
If you are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, your healthcare provider might recommend warfarin (an anticlotting medication