Question 1

What is Protein C Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Protein C deficiency is a rare inherited blood clotting disorder that increases the risk of abnormal blood clots. It is caused by genetic mutations that reduce the production or function of protein C, a natural anticoagulant protein in the blood. The Protein C Activity test is the most important test for diagnosing this condition because it directly measures functional protein C levels.

Question 2

What causes Protein C Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Protein C deficiency is caused by genetic mutations inherited from one or both parents that affect the PROC gene responsible for producing protein C. Type I deficiency results from reduced protein C production, while Type II deficiency produces normal amounts of dysfunctional protein C. This inherited condition disrupts the body's natural anticoagulation system, making it difficult to regulate blood clot formation and increasing the risk of dangerous clots in veins.

Question 3

What is the best test for Protein C Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The Protein C Activity test is the most important test for protein C deficiency because it directly measures how well protein C functions as an anticoagulant in your blood. This functional test detects both quantitative deficiencies (low protein C levels) and qualitative deficiencies (dysfunctional protein C), making it the gold standard for diagnosis. Low protein C activity levels below the normal range confirm the deficiency and help explain recurrent blood clots or family history of thrombotic events, guiding appropriate anticoagulation therapy decisions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Protein C Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have experienced unexplained blood clots before age 50, recurrent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, blood clots in unusual locations like abdominal veins, or a strong family history of clotting disorders. Testing is also recommended if you have developed blood clots during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, or if you experienced unusual clotting complications during surgery. Early diagnosis allows for preventive anticoagulation therapy before life-threatening clots develop.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Protein C Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of protein C deficiency include painful swelling and redness in the legs from deep vein thrombosis, sudden shortness of breath and chest pain from pulmonary embolism, and skin discoloration or ulcers from blood clots near the skin surface. Some people with mild deficiency have no symptoms until a triggering event like surgery, pregnancy, or prolonged immobility causes a clotting episode. Severe deficiency in newborns can cause purpura fulminans, a life-threatening condition with widespread blood clots and skin necrosis.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Protein C Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of protein C deficiency or unexplained blood clots are at highest risk since this is an inherited genetic condition. Those of European descent have slightly higher rates, with the condition affecting approximately 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 people. Women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, pregnant women, people undergoing surgery, and anyone with prolonged immobility face increased clotting risk if they have undiagnosed protein C deficiency. Having one affected parent gives you a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.

Question 7

What happens if Protein C Deficiency is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated protein C deficiency can lead to recurrent deep vein thrombosis that damages leg veins and causes chronic pain and swelling. Life-threatening complications include pulmonary embolism when clots travel to the lungs, stroke from clots reaching the brain, and organ damage from clots blocking blood flow to intestines or other organs. Repeated clotting episodes increase the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome with permanent leg pain and skin changes. Without proper anticoagulation therapy, people with severe deficiency face significantly increased mortality risk from thrombotic complications.

Question 8

Can Protein C Deficiency be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, protein C deficiency is diagnosed with a blood test that measures protein C activity levels in your plasma. The Protein C Activity test uses a specialized clotting assay to determine how effectively your protein C functions as an anticoagulant. Results below the normal reference range indicate deficiency, though testing should be done when you are not experiencing an acute clot and not taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin, which can temporarily lower protein C levels and cause false positive results.

Question 9

How is Protein C Deficiency treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for protein C deficiency focuses on preventing blood clots with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, heparin, or direct oral anticoagulants depending on your specific situation. People with recurrent clots typically require long-term anticoagulation therapy, while those diagnosed through family screening may only need preventive treatment during high-risk periods like surgery or pregnancy. Acute severe clots may require protein C concentrate infusions or fresh frozen plasma to temporarily restore normal protein C levels. Your doctor will balance clot prevention against bleeding risk when determining your treatment plan.

Question 10

How can I prevent Protein C Deficiency complications?

Accepted Answer

You cannot prevent the inherited genetic deficiency, but you can prevent dangerous blood clots by taking prescribed anticoagulant medications as directed and attending regular monitoring appointments. Stay active and avoid prolonged sitting during travel by walking every few hours and staying well-hydrated. Inform all healthcare providers about your diagnosis before surgery, dental procedures, or starting medications like birth control pills that increase clotting risk. Wear compression stockings during long flights, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking, which further increases clotting risk in people with protein C deficiency.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Protein C Deficiency?

Accepted Answer

At home, stay physically active with regular walking and exercise to promote healthy circulation and reduce clotting risk. Maintain proper hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as dehydration thickens blood and increases clot formation. Watch for warning signs of blood clots like leg swelling, redness, warmth, or sudden shortness of breath, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Keep a medical alert bracelet indicating your condition, especially if you take anticoagulants, and avoid activities with high injury risk that could cause dangerous bleeding while on blood thinners.

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:
            
                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.

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
            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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

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.
            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.

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!
            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 Deficiency Blood Test

What is Protein C Deficiency?

What causes Protein C Deficiency?

What is the best test for Protein C Deficiency?

When should I get tested for Protein C Deficiency?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask Me Anything