Question 1

What is Antithrombin III Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Antithrombin III deficiency is a hereditary blood clotting disorder that dramatically increases the risk of developing dangerous blood clots throughout the body. It is caused by insufficient production of antithrombin III protein, a natural anticoagulant that prevents excessive clot formation in blood vessels. The Antithrombin III Antigen test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures the amount of this critical protein in your blood.

Question 2

What causes Antithrombin III deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Antithrombin III deficiency is caused by genetic mutations inherited from one or both parents that affect the production or function of antithrombin III protein. This protein normally acts as a natural blood thinner by blocking clotting factors in your blood, preventing clots from forming when they are not needed. When you have a deficiency, your blood lacks this protective mechanism, making it much more likely to form dangerous clots in your veins and arteries, particularly in the legs, lungs, and brain.

Question 3

What is the best test for Antithrombin III deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The Antithrombin III Antigen test is the most important test for diagnosing antithrombin III deficiency because it directly measures the actual amount of antithrombin protein circulating in your bloodstream. Low levels of this protein confirm the deficiency and help your doctor determine how severe your condition is. This test is especially valuable if you have experienced unexplained blood clots, have a family history of clotting disorders, or have had multiple miscarriages, as these are all signs that your body may not be producing enough of this critical anticoagulant protein.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Antithrombin III deficiency?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have experienced blood clots before age 50, have recurrent clots without obvious causes, have multiple family members with clotting problems, have had unexplained pregnancy losses, or developed a blood clot in an unusual location like your abdomen or brain. Testing is also recommended before starting birth control pills or hormone therapy if you have a family history of this deficiency, as these medications can significantly increase your clot risk when combined with antithrombin deficiency.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Antithrombin III deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Many people with Antithrombin III deficiency have no symptoms until they develop a blood clot, which is why family screening is so important. When clots do occur, you might experience swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in your leg from deep vein thrombosis, or sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat from a pulmonary embolism. Some people first discover they have this condition after experiencing recurrent miscarriages or blood clots during pregnancy, while others learn about it when multiple family members develop clotting problems at young ages.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Antithrombin III deficiency?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of blood clots or antithrombin deficiency have the highest risk since this condition is inherited genetically. Your risk is also elevated if you have experienced unexplained clots before age 50, have had multiple pregnancy losses, or have close relatives who developed clots at young ages. Certain situations can trigger clots in people with this deficiency, including pregnancy, surgery, prolonged bed rest, long flights, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy.

Question 7

What happens if Antithrombin III deficiency is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Antithrombin III deficiency can lead to life-threatening complications including recurrent deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism that blocks blood flow to your lungs, stroke from clots in brain vessels, and pregnancy complications including miscarriage and stillbirth. These clots can cause permanent damage to your veins, leading to chronic leg swelling and pain called post-thrombotic syndrome. Without proper treatment and prevention strategies, people with this deficiency face a significantly higher lifetime risk of dangerous clotting events compared to the general population.

Question 8

Can Antithrombin III deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Antithrombin III deficiency is diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures the level of antithrombin protein in your bloodstream. The Antithrombin III Antigen test specifically quantifies how much of this protein your body is producing, with low levels indicating a deficiency. Your doctor may repeat the test or order additional clotting studies to confirm the diagnosis, especially if you were taking blood thinners or had an active clot when the first test was done, as these factors can temporarily affect your antithrombin levels.

Question 9

How is Antithrombin III deficiency treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Antithrombin III deficiency typically involves lifelong anticoagulation therapy with blood thinners like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants to prevent clot formation. During high-risk situations like surgery or pregnancy, you may receive antithrombin concentrate infusions to temporarily boost your antithrombin levels and provide extra protection against clots. Your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized prevention plan that includes avoiding additional risk factors like smoking, birth control pills, and prolonged immobility, while closely monitoring your blood clotting function.

Question 10

How can I prevent complications from Antithrombin III deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on avoiding situations that increase clot risk and taking prescribed blood thinners as directed by your doctor. Stay active and avoid sitting for long periods, especially during flights or car trips where you should move around regularly and stay well-hydrated. Tell all your healthcare providers about your condition before any surgery or procedure so they can take extra precautions, and work with your doctor to avoid medications that increase clot risk like birth control pills and hormone therapy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Question 11

What can I do at home to manage Antithrombin III deficiency?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports good circulation including regular exercise, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight. Wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor to improve blood flow in your legs, and elevate your legs when resting. Learn to recognize the warning signs of blood clots like leg swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath so you can seek immediate medical attention if they occur, and keep a medical alert card or bracelet that identifies your condition in case of emergencies.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                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.
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                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.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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
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            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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Antithrombin III Deficiency Blood Test

What is Antithrombin III Deficiency?

What causes Antithrombin III deficiency?

What is the best test for Antithrombin III deficiency?

When should I get tested for Antithrombin III deficiency?

References

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