What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained blood clots, especially if they happened at a young age or without a clear cause. It's also useful if you have a family history of clotting disorders or have had multiple miscarriages. Your results help identify whether a protein C deficiency might be contributing to abnormal clotting.

What's included in this test?

This test measures two related but distinct things: how well your protein C is working (activity) and how much of it is present (antigen). Looking at both together helps distinguish between different types of protein C deficiency, since some people have plenty of protein C that just isn't functioning correctly.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with the normal range for both protein C activity and antigen levels, explained in plain language. If your levels come back low, next steps typically include avoiding known clotting risk factors like smoking, prolonged immobility, or certain medications, and considering retesting to confirm the finding since results can be affected by illness or blood thinners. A standard lab report is available to download directly from your account. You can also track these values over time using the trends feature if you test again in the future.

How can I naturally support healthy clotting function?

Staying well hydrated, moving regularly to keep blood circulating, and avoiding smoking are all simple habits that support healthy blood flow. Eating a balanced diet with vegetables and healthy fats can support overall vascular health. That said, protein C levels are largely determined by genetics or underlying medical conditions, so lifestyle changes alone may not fully correct a true deficiency.

When will I get my results?

Results are generally ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. You'll be notified as soon as they're available in your account, where you can view a full explanation of each value.

Who should consider this test?

This test is worth considering if you've had a blood clot with no obvious cause, especially a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or if you have close relatives with a known clotting disorder. People with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss may also benefit. It's also relevant if you're being evaluated before starting certain blood thinner medications.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for signs like swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in a leg or arm, which can indicate a clot. Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain can also signal a clot that has traveled to the lungs and needs urgent attention. If clots have run in your family or you've had one before without explanation, that's also a reason to test even without current symptoms.

What does low protein C mean?

Low protein C activity or antigen levels mean your body has a reduced ability to naturally break down clots, which can raise your risk of forming abnormal blood clots. This can be inherited or caused by things like liver disease, certain medications, or vitamin K deficiency. If your level comes back low, avoiding known clot risk factors and retesting are reasonable next steps.

What causes low protein C levels?

Low protein C can be inherited, meaning it runs in families, or it can be acquired from things like liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, certain cancers, or major surgery. Some medications, including blood thinners like warfarin, can also lower measured levels. Newborns naturally have lower protein C levels that rise as they grow.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is abnormal, retesting a few weeks later is often recommended since illness, medications, or recent clotting events can temporarily affect levels. Once a stable baseline is established, retesting is usually only needed if your health situation changes, such as starting a new medication or planning a pregnancy. This test isn't typically part of routine annual screening unless you have an ongoing risk factor.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Protein C Test - Blood Clotting Disorder Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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