Antithrombin III
Antithrombin III is a key blood clotting inhibitor that prevents excessive thrombus formation.
The test allows assessment of the level and functional activity of antithrombin, detection of thrombosis risk, congenital or acquired deficiency, and monitoring of blood clotting system status.
Test composition:
• Material: venous blood
• Method: coagulometric or immunoturbidimetric method
• Determined indicator: concentration and functional activity of antithrombin III (% of normal or units/mL)
Causes of abnormalities: decrease — congenital deficiency, liver diseases, acute thrombosis, inflammatory processes, sepsis, or use of certain medications. Elevation is less common and usually related to laboratory errors or anticoagulant therapy.
Biomaterial: Venous blood
Test preparation:
• Submit blood fasting
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
• Avoid physical exertion and stress before the test.
Medications:
• If taking anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, or hormonal medications, inform the doctor before the test.
Prescribed for:
• Suspected thrombosis or thromboembolism.
• Congenital or acquired antithrombin deficiency.
• Tendency to recurrent thrombosis.
• Monitoring anticoagulant therapy.
• Pregnancy with thrombophilia risk.
Recommended for:
• Patients with thrombophilia, recurrent thrombosis
• Patients with cardiovascular diseases
• Pregnant women with complication risk
Reference values depend on the method used and are indicated on the result form.
Abnormalities require physician consultation and comprehensive assessment.
Important — antithrombin III is assessed together with other coagulogram and thrombophilia indicators and is not a standalone diagnostic criterion.
If abnormalities are detected, consultation with a general practitioner, hematologist, or cardiologist is recommended.
