PROTEIN S (ACTIVITY) in Yeshwantpur, Bangalore

Protein S (Activity): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports

Test Overview

The Protein S (Activity) test is a specialised diagnostic assay used to measure the functional capability of Protein S, a critical, naturally occurring protein responsible for controlling blood clot formation. Protein S acts as a cofactor to activate Protein C, significantly enhancing its ability to neutralise two key clotting factors (Va and VIIIa). A low level of functional Protein S (a condition known as Protein S Deficiency) compromises the body's natural ability to stop clotting, leading to a high risk of life-threatening events like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

This test is essential for identifying both inherited and acquired thrombophilia, providing crucial data for determining long-term anticoagulant treatment. If you are searching for a reliable Protein S (Activity) price or a convenient thrombophilia test near me, Apollo 24|7 provides accredited laboratory services, ensuring the precision required for diagnosing complex clotting disorders.

What is the Protein S (Activity) Test?

The Protein S (Activity) Test is a blood test that measures how effectively Protein S is performing its function in the coagulation cascade. Protein S exists in the blood in two forms: a large portion is inactive because it is bound to another protein, and the smaller, Free Protein S portion is the active anticoagulant.

Unlike the Protein S Antigen Test, which measures the total amount of the protein (both free and bound), the Activity Test specifically measures the amount of functional protein that is available to inhibit clotting.

• Protein S Deficiency can be classified into three types, requiring the Activity test for accurate differentiation:
• Type I (Quantitative): Low total Protein S, low Free Protein S, and low activity.
• Type II (Qualitative/Dysfunctional): Normal levels of Protein S antigen, but the protein does not function correctly, resulting in low activity.
• Type III (Free Protein S Deficiency): Normal total Protein S, but low Free Protein S and low activity (the most common inherited form).

What is the Protein S (Activity) Price?

The Protein S (Activity) price reflects the complexity of the functional assay, which requires specialised reagents and sophisticated coagulation analysis equipment to accurately determine the protein's effectiveness. The final cost of your test is influenced by several factors:

• Advanced Methodology: The test is a functional coagulation assay, which is technically more demanding and time-consuming than simple quantitative (antigen) tests.
• Reagent Cost: The specific biological reagents and control plasmas used to perform the activity measurement contribute significantly to the test's cost.
• Location and Logistics: As a specialised test, pricing may vary slightly based on regional operational costs and the logistics of transporting the sensitive blood sample to the coagulation laboratory.
• Quality Assurance: Utilising NABL-accredited labs, such as those provided by Apollo, guarantees the high standards and quality control necessary for such a clinically significant diagnosis.

To find the most accurate and current Protein S (Activity) price near me, always consult the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application, which provides real-time pricing and collection service options based on your location.

What is the Purpose of the Protein S (Activity) Test?

The primary purpose of the Protein S (Activity) Test is to identify an underlying deficiency that predisposes an individual to excessive blood clotting, particularly VTE.

Doctors recommend the Protein S (Activity) Test for the following key objectives:

• Diagnosis of Thrombophilia: To confirm a quantitative (Type I or Type III) or qualitative (Type II) deficiency as the cause of recurrent or unexplained clotting events.
• Investigating Recurrent VTE: To identify the cause of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in young adults (under 50) or in cases where no obvious cause exists.
• Family Screening: To screen asymptomatic family members (especially siblings and children) of a patient already diagnosed with an inherited Protein S deficiency.
• Monitoring Acquired Deficiency: To monitor patients with conditions that can lower Protein S levels, such as liver disease, severe infection, Vitamin K deficiency, or during certain stages of pregnancy.

Who Should Get a Protein S (Activity) Test Done?

This specialised test is typically ordered by a haematologist or general physician when the patient presents with clinical signs suggestive of a clotting disorder.

Doctors may recommend this test if you fall into one of these groups:

• Individuals with Thrombotic Events: Especially those with a history of recurrent DVT, PE, or clotting in unusual sites (e.g., mesentery, cerebral veins).
• Patients with Unexplained Symptoms: Those experiencing leg swelling, pain, or shortness of breath that may be linked to an underlying, hidden clotting issue.
• Family History: Individuals with a documented family history of Protein S deficiency or other severe thrombophilia conditions.
• Patients Starting Certain Medications: Testing may be required before initiating certain medications, such as Warfarin or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can affect clotting factors.

Components of the Protein S (Activity) Test

The Protein S (Activity) test is a single, focused measurement designed to determine the functional integrity of the anticoagulant protein.

The test is performed for:

• Protein S Activity: This parameter quantifies the ability of the patient's Protein S to function as an effective cofactor for Activated Protein C. The result is typically reported as a percentage (%) of the activity found in a pool of normal plasma.

Understanding a Protein S (Activity) Test Report

The Protein S (Activity) test provides a quantitative percentage result, indicating the concentration of active Protein S relative to a healthy reference population.

While reference ranges may vary slightly between labs, a commonly accepted range is:

Critical Notes on Interpretation (Interferences):

Warfarin (Coumadin): Like Protein C, Protein S is vitamin K-dependent. Warfarin therapy will drastically lower Protein S Activity levels, making the test unreliable for diagnosis while on this medication. The test must ideally be performed before therapy initiation or after a physician-supervised washout period.

• Pregnancy: Protein S levels naturally decrease during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, leading to a temporary acquired deficiency. This physiological decrease makes the test unreliable for diagnosing inherited deficiency during gestation.
• Acute Thrombosis: Protein S levels may temporarily decrease during an acute clotting episode, severe infection, or inflammation. Testing should ideally be deferred until the patient has recovered from the acute event.
• Your treating physician or haematologist will use the Activity result in conjunction with the Antigen result, as well as your clinical history, to confirm the specific type of Protein S deficiency and recommend the most appropriate management plan.

Preparation and Procedure for Protein S (Activity) Test

Due to the sensitive nature of the coagulation factors being measured, specific attention to sample collection and patient status is essential for accurate results.

1. How is the Test Done?

The Protein S (Activity) Test requires a venous blood sample collected by a certified phlebotomist. The sample is strictly collected into a tube containing sodium citrate, which prevents clotting and helps preserve the integrity of clotting factors. It is critical that the sample is processed promptly to separate the plasma, which must be kept cold or frozen immediately to preserve the protein's activity.

2. Is Fasting Required for This Test?

No, fasting is typically not required for the Protein S (Activity) Test.
3. What Time of the Day Should I Undergo the Test?
The test can be performed at any time of the day. However, due to the need for prompt processing, it is often scheduled for earlier in the day to ensure timely laboratory handling.
4. How Frequently Should I Undergo the Test?
Like other thrombophilia factors, this is primarily a one-time diagnostic test. It is only repeated if a doctor suspects an acquired deficiency has occurred (e.g., progression of liver disease) or if the initial result was inconclusive due to medication interference.

Booking Protein S (Activity) Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 simplifies the process, allowing for specialised sample collection and secure, reliable access to your sensitive results.

A. How to Schedule the Test Online

• Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for the Protein S (Activity) Test.
• Confirm the latest price for your city and click the 'Book Now' button.
• Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for home collection.
• Complete the secure online payment. Confirmation details and any necessary preparation reminders will be sent instantly.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online?

• Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account using your registered phone number or email.
• Navigate to the 'Health Records' or 'My Reports' section on your dashboard.
• Click on the completed test name to view the detailed report immediately.
• You can easily view the report online or download it in PDF format to share securely with your haematologist or treating physician for consultation.

Conclusion

The Protein S (Activity) test is an important blood test that helps assess your body's ability to prevent abnormal clot formation. Protein S is a natural anticoagulant, and low activity levels may point to an inherited condition called thrombophilia, which increases the risk of serious blood clots like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
By measuring how well Protein S functions, this test supports diagnosis and helps guide decisions about long-term treatment. For reliable results, it’s essential that the test is performed through accredited labs using proper sample handling to preserve protein activity.