Blood Clotting Disorders Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Blood Clotting Disorders

The following tests may help determine if you have a blood clotting disorder:

Antiphospholipid Antibody Test

A blood test can reveal the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. These proteins can cause your blood vessels to function irregularly. They can narrow the blood vessels, making them more susceptible to blockage, or cause blood clots to form.

Antithrombin Test

This blood test measures the amount of antithrombin, a protein that helps control blood clotting. Low levels of this protein increase the risk of a life-threatening blood clot (thrombotic episode).

Factor V Leiden Mutation

This blood test determine the presence of an inherited gene mutation that increases your risk of developing blood clots in the veins. It may be ordered if you have an unexplained thrombotic episode. It also may be ordered if you suffer a clot in an unusual part of the body, such as the liver or kidneys.

Lupus Anticoagulant

This blood test verifies the presence of a protein that interferes with the blood-clotting process. It is ordered if you have an unexplained thrombotic episode or if the time it takes your blood to clot is abnormally long.

Prothrombin 20210

This test is a genetic screening for the presence of a gene mutation that increases the amount of thrombin. Thrombin is a protein that helps to coagulate blood.

Protein C and Protein S Tests

These tests measure the amounts of proteins that help to control blood clotting. A deficiency in the proteins may cause clots to form in the veins.

Treatments for Blood Clotting Disorders

There is no single treatment of clotting disorders. You may be treated with aspirin or with blood-thinning drugs such as:

• Warfarin
• Heparin
• Low molecular weight heparins