Protein C antigen

Protein C antigen

Clinical significance

Protein C is a normally occurring protein in the blood that inhibits blood clotting, limiting clot formation. It is synthesized in the liver in the presence of vitamin K. Protein C is an anticoagulant that, when activated, inhibits active factor V and factor VIII. Protein C determination is usually performed as part of tests to assess the possibility of a coagulation disorder (hypercoagulability) and/or as an aid in clarifying the cause of deep vein thrombosis or venous thromboembolism, especiallyól if it occurs in relatively young people (under 50) or has an unusual location, such as in veins leading to the liver or kidneys, or veins of the mózguard. Determination of protein C allows assessment of its function (activity) or quantity (antigen). Elevated levels are not clinically significant, reduced protein C levels may be related to insufficient production or increased consumption. Decreased levels may be influenced by liver disease, vitamin K deficiency or anticoagulant treatment with vitamin K antagonists. Conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) more rapidly consume stores of clotting factors, including protein C, reducing its concentration in the blood.

Patient preparation

Material: citrated plasma