Protein C
Private Protein C testing in London for £99, measuring one natural anticoagulant marker with results expected in around 3 days.
Turnaround time
3 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Protein C Test
The Protein C blood test assesses Protein C activity, an important natural anticoagulant that helps prevent excessive blood clot formation.
The test assesses 1 specialist coagulation biomarker: Protein C.
Protein C is a Vitamin K-dependent protein produced mainly by the liver.
Once activated, it works with Protein S to inactivate clotting Factors Va and VIIIa.
This natural anticoagulant pathway prevents coagulation from continuing unchecked.
Inherited Protein C deficiency can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, including deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Deficiency can be quantitative, where too little Protein C is present, or functional, where the protein is present but does not work normally.
Protein C can also become low for acquired reasons.
Examples include Warfarin treatment, Vitamin K deficiency, severe liver disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute thrombosis.
This is why the timing of testing is important.
Testing during an acute blood clot or while taking certain anticoagulants can produce a result that does not accurately reflect inherited baseline Protein C status.
A low result often needs to be confirmed after the acute clinical situation has resolved and when anticoagulant effects have been appropriately considered.
Protein C is commonly interpreted alongside Protein S, Antithrombin, Activated Protein C Resistance and genetic thrombophilia testing where indicated.
A normal Protein C result does not exclude every thrombophilia.
What Does the Protein C Test Check?
The test assesses the activity of Protein C within the natural anticoagulant system. This test measures 1 specialist biomarker.
Protein C
Measures the activity of Protein C, a Vitamin K-dependent natural anticoagulant that helps regulate clot formation by inactivating Factors Va and VIIIa.
Who May Benefit From the Protein C Test?
Protein C testing can be useful where inherited or acquired thrombophilia is being investigated.
People who have experienced an unexplained deep-vein thrombosis - Inherited natural anticoagulant deficiency is one possible risk factor.
People who have had pulmonary embolism at a young age - Thrombophilia assessment may be considered depending on clinical history.
People with recurrent venous blood clots - Protein C can form part of specialist thrombophilia testing.
People with a strong family history of thrombosis - Inherited deficiency can occur within families.
People with thrombosis at an unusual anatomical site - Specialist coagulation investigation may be appropriate.
People with a previous low Protein C result - Repeat testing can help establish whether the deficiency persists.
People undergoing specialist thrombophilia assessment - Protein C is frequently assessed with Protein S and Antithrombin.
People with suspected inherited coagulation disorders - Clinical history determines whether testing is appropriate.
How to Prepare
Protein C testing can be unreliable during acute thrombosis and during certain anticoagulant treatments.
Do not stop anticoagulation without explicit instructions from the clinician responsible for your treatment.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Protein C Test
Protein C deficiency itself does not usually cause symptoms until abnormal clotting occurs.
A previous unexplained DVT - Protein C deficiency can increase venous clotting risk.
A previous pulmonary embolism - Specialist thrombophilia assessment may be considered in selected patients.
Repeated venous thrombosis - Recurrent clotting can raise suspicion of an inherited predisposition.
A strong family history of blood clots at a young age - Inherited Protein C deficiency can run in families.
Thrombosis occurring without an obvious temporary trigger - Specialist investigation may be appropriate.
A previous unexpectedly low Protein C activity result - Repeat testing can clarify whether the abnormality is persistent.
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood or new unilateral leg swelling can indicate an acute venous thromboembolism and requires urgent medical assessment.
Protein C testing should not delay emergency evaluation of suspected DVT or pulmonary embolism.
How to Book Your Protein C Test
The Protein C test can be booked privately for specialist thrombophilia assessment.
Choose the Protein C
Select the individual Protein C blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose a professional collection pathway capable of meeting specialist citrate-sample requirements.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required citrate blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your separated plasma undergoes specialist assessment of Protein C activity.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside Protein S, Antithrombin and other thrombophilia investigations.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current specialist laboratory turnaround for Protein C activity is approximately 3 days after laboratory receipt.
The citrate sample requires appropriate preparation and, where transport is delayed, double-spinning, separation and freezing according to laboratory requirements.
Incorrect specimen handling can prevent reliable testing.
Understanding Your Results
A normal Protein C result indicates activity within the laboratory's expected range.
This makes significant Protein C deficiency less likely.
A low result indicates reduced Protein C activity.
An inherited deficiency is one possibility, but acquired causes are common.
Warfarin, Vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, acute thrombosis and severe systemic illness can all reduce Protein C.
For this reason, one low result during an acute illness or anticoagulant treatment does not necessarily prove inherited deficiency.
Repeat testing may be required once interfering factors are no longer present.
Family testing or genetic assessment is occasionally considered where a confirmed hereditary deficiency is suspected.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private Protein C testing for specialist thrombophilia assessment.
Measures a natural anticoagulant pathway - Protein C helps regulate excessive clot formation.
Relevant to unexplained venous thrombosis - Deficiency can increase DVT and pulmonary embolism risk.
Useful in recurrent clotting assessment - Protein C can form part of a broader thrombophilia investigation.
Can complement Protein S and Antithrombin - These natural anticoagulants are often considered together.
Relevant to family-history investigation - Hereditary Protein C deficiency can occur within families.
Specialist coagulation processing - Citrate plasma is handled according to haemostasis requirements.
Professional blood collection - Correct collection and transport are important.
Clear pricing - The Protein C test costs £99.
Private Protein C Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Protein C testing for people requiring specialist investigation of thrombophilia.
The test costs £99 and measures 1 specialist coagulation biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 3 days after laboratory receipt.
Testing should be timed carefully because acute thrombosis and anticoagulant treatment can affect the result.