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Antithrombin-III Test

What can it be?

Antithrombin-III (an-tee-THROM-bin) is also called AT-III. It is really an anticoagulant (an-tee-ko-AG-u-lant) protein that`s naturally found in your bloodstream. An anti coagulant keeps your blood from clotting. This blood test measures the sum of AT-III on your blood.

Why do I want it?

A degree of AT-III may trigger clots to form in blood vessels, even when you`re not hurt. Low degrees may keep medicine from working if you have clots inside blood vessels. Liver or kidney disorder may may run in the family members or causes low quantities of AT-III. Insulin wasting disorders, such as malignancy (mah-LIG-nan-see), also induce low quantities of AT-III. Caregivers will explain the test and why it is needed by you.

How do I prepare for the exam?

Your physician will tell you when to have your blood test done. The blood test may be performed before or after ingestion. You may have to avoid taking any medicines before the exam. Ask your physician if you should wait before your blood is taken to carry your regular medicines.

How is the specimen collected?

A caregiver will put a wide rubber strap around your arm and tighten it. The skin will be washed with alcohol. A small needle attached to a special test tube will be put to a vein (blood vessel) on your arm or hand. The tube has suction to pull the blood. After the tube is full, the rubber strap, needle and tube are removed. The caregiver will press a piece of cotton where the needle was removed. You may well be asked to support the cotton place to get a couple minutes to help stop the bleeding. Tape may then be put over the cotton on your arm.

What should I do after the test?

You may remove the tape and cotton in about 20 to half an hour. Call your caregiver. Your physician will explain what your test results mean for youpersonally. Follow the instructions of your caregiver.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your attention. To help with this plan, you need to learn about your lab tests. You can then go over the outcome with your caregivers. Use them to decide what care may be used to deal with you. You also have the right to deny treatment.

Further advice

Always seek advice from your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on these pages pertains to your personal circumstances.