Protein S Activity
Protein S Activity
Protein S Activity test is used to measure the level of protein S in your blood. Protein S along with protein C helps in the normal blood clotting process.
Having too little protein S (protein S deficiency), increases the risk of excessive blood clotting. Blood clotting issues can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. For instance, if a blood clot travels to the lungs it may cause pulmonary embolism (blocks blood flow in a lung artery).
A protein S deficiency is frequently inherited. This means that a child can inherit an abnormal (mutated) PROS1 gene associated with protein S deficiency from one of their parents. The production of protein S is influenced by this gene.
Thus, getting a Protein S Activity test done is recommended to screen relatives of anyone with a known protein S deficiency
Symptoms of protein S deficiency
Blood clots in your veins (deep vein thrombosis)
Blood clots during pregnancy
Pulmonary embolism
4. Stroke in children with severe form of the protein S deficiency
Who should get tested?
It is recommended to take this test if an individual:
Has a history of blood clots before age 50
Has a family member who suffers from a protein S deficiency
Has a venous thrombosis in an unusual place (brain, intestines or liver)
Has abnormally clotting blood
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for a Protein S Activity 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
|
Protein |
Normal reference range |
|
Protein S |
Between 60% to 150% of clotting inhibition |
Deviation from normal levels indicate the following:
Lower than normal level of protein S may be indicative of protein S deficiency and is caused due to pregnancy, disseminated intravascular coagulation (condition where the proteins that control blood clotting become over-active), HIV/AIDS infection, liver disease, etc
FAQs
How is the sample collected for a Protein S Activity 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 Protein S Activity 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 Protein S Activity test?
Result of a Protein S Activity test is usually available within 5 working days after sample collection. However, it could take longer at times
What factors can affect a Protein S Activity test result?
Consumption of anticoagulation medicines before the sample collection, long term use of antibiotics, birth control pills, and chemotherapy drugs might affect the Protein S Activity test result
What conditions can trigger blood clots?
Conditions that trigger blood clot formation include surgery, pregnancy, broken bones, trauma injuries, being immobile for an extended period of time such as while on bedrest, as well as long duration car and plane rides
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