Question 1

What is Thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel that obstructs blood flow and can lead to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. It is caused by elevated levels of clotting proteins such as fibrinogen and lipoprotein (a), which promote excessive clot formation. The Fibrinogen Activity test is the most important test for thrombosis risk because it measures how quickly fibrinogen converts to fibrin, the protein that forms blood clots.

Question 2

What causes thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

Thrombosis is caused by an imbalance in your body's clotting system, where proteins like fibrinogen and lipoprotein (a) become elevated and promote excessive blood clot formation inside your vessels. Specific triggers include prolonged immobility, injury to blood vessels, inherited clotting disorders, certain medications like birth control pills, pregnancy, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. When these clotting factors are too high or your blood flow is sluggish, clots can form and block circulation to vital organs, leading to potentially life-threatening complications like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack.

Question 3

What is the best test for thrombosis risk?

Accepted Answer

The Fibrinogen Activity test is the most important test for assessing thrombosis risk because it measures how quickly fibrinogen converts to fibrin, the actual protein that forms blood clots. This test detects elevated clotting activity that indicates you are prone to forming clots more rapidly and extensively than normal. The Lipoprotein (a) test is also essential because high levels of this lipid particle significantly increase your risk of venous thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Together, these tests identify the key biological factors that make your blood more likely to clot abnormally, allowing your doctor to recommend preventive treatments like anticoagulants before a dangerous clot forms.

Question 4

When should I get tested for thrombosis risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of blood clots or if close relatives experienced clots at a young age. Get tested if you are planning surgery or will be immobilized for extended periods, such as long flights or bed rest, since these situations dramatically increase clot risk. You should also consider testing if you have unexplained leg swelling, pain, or redness, if you are starting birth control pills or hormone therapy, or if you have had a previous clot and want to understand your ongoing risk. Early testing helps you and your doctor implement preventive strategies before a life-threatening clot develops.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of thrombosis depend on where the blood clot forms in your body. Deep vein thrombosis in the leg causes swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected limb, often in the calf or thigh. Pulmonary embolism symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, and feeling lightheaded or faint. If a clot travels to the brain causing stroke, you might experience sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, or severe headache. Heart attack symptoms from coronary thrombosis include chest pressure, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, nausea, and sweating.

Question 6

Who is at risk for thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

People at risk for thrombosis include those with a family history of blood clots or inherited clotting disorders like Factor V Leiden. Your risk increases if you are over 60, overweight, or smoke cigarettes. Women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy face elevated risk, as do pregnant women and those who recently gave birth. Long periods of immobility raise your risk, whether from surgery, hospitalization, long flights, or being bedridden. Cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy have higher risk, as do people with inflammatory conditions like lupus or inflammatory bowel disease. Previous blood clots dramatically increase your likelihood of developing another clot.

Question 7

What happens if thrombosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated thrombosis can lead to life-threatening complications as the blood clot grows larger or breaks off and travels through your bloodstream. A deep vein thrombosis can cause a pulmonary embolism when part of the clot breaks free and lodges in your lungs, blocking oxygen flow and potentially causing sudden death. Chronic complications include post-thrombotic syndrome, where damaged veins cause permanent leg pain, swelling, skin discoloration, and ulcers that never heal properly. Repeated clots can damage your heart valves or lead to pulmonary hypertension, a serious condition where high blood pressure in lung arteries strains your heart. Without treatment, thrombosis significantly increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, and organ damage from blocked blood flow.

Question 8

Can thrombosis risk be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Thrombosis risk can be assessed with blood tests that measure proteins and substances involved in blood clot formation. The Fibrinogen Activity test measures how quickly your blood forms clots, while the Lipoprotein (a) test identifies a lipid particle that promotes clotting. The Fibrinogen Antigen test measures the total amount of clotting protein available in your blood. While these tests cannot detect an existing blood clot (which requires imaging like ultrasound or CT scan), they identify elevated risk factors that make you prone to developing dangerous clots. These blood tests help doctors determine if you need preventive anticoagulant therapy or closer monitoring to prevent thrombosis before it occurs.

Question 9

How is thrombosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Thrombosis is treated with anticoagulant medications that thin your blood and prevent the clot from growing larger while your body naturally dissolves it over time. Common anticoagulants include heparin given by injection or IV in hospitals, warfarin taken as pills, and newer direct oral anticoagulants like rivaroxaban or apixaban. In severe cases, doctors may use thrombolytic drugs that actively dissolve clots, though these carry higher bleeding risks. Some patients need mechanical interventions like catheter-directed clot removal or surgical thrombectomy to physically extract large, life-threatening clots. Long-term management often requires continuing anticoagulants for months or years, wearing compression stockings to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, and addressing underlying risk factors through lifestyle changes.

Question 10

How can I prevent thrombosis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent thrombosis by staying physically active and avoiding prolonged sitting or bed rest, especially during long flights or car trips where you should get up and walk every hour. Maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, and stay well-hydrated since dehydration thickens your blood. If you are at high risk due to surgery or hospitalization, your doctor may prescribe preventive anticoagulants or recommend compression stockings that improve blood flow in your legs. Manage underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol that damage blood vessels and promote clotting. If you have a family history of blood clots, discuss testing with your doctor so you can start preventive treatment before a clot forms.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with thrombosis prevention?

Accepted Answer

While natural approaches should never replace medical treatment for thrombosis, certain lifestyle strategies support healthy blood flow and reduce clotting risk. Regular exercise improves circulation and prevents blood from pooling in your legs, with walking, swimming, and cycling being particularly beneficial. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, and flaxseeds may have mild blood-thinning effects, though they are not substitutes for anticoagulant medications. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your blood from becoming too thick. Some people use garlic, ginger, or turmeric for their potential anti-inflammatory properties, but always discuss supplements with your doctor because they can interact with prescription blood thinners and cause dangerous bleeding.

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.
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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
            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.
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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!
            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.

Thrombosis Blood Test

What is Thrombosis?

What causes thrombosis?

What is the best test for thrombosis risk?

When should I get tested for thrombosis risk?

References

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