Protein C (PC) Clotting Assay

Coagulation

Description

Protein C (PC) is a vitamin K dependent glycoprotein synthesised in the liver. PC is activated by thrombin-thrombomodulin complex to ACTIVATED PROTEIN C (APC) which then destroys factors Va and VIIIa by limited proteolysis in the presence of protein S. Familial PC deficiency can be classified into two types, type I or II on the basis of phenotypic tests.

Protein C shares many features with the other vitamin K dependent factors (i.e. II, VII, IX, X and Protein S). Protein C is synthesised in the liver and requires vitamin K to complete the synthesis of the physiologically competent proenzyme. Factor X has a half life of approximately six to ten hours in vivo.

Indications

As an extension (on request) of the thrombophilia screen and may be requested to further investigate potential protein C deficiency.

Sample Type

Plasma (Citrate Blue) x 1.

Reference Range

Reference range is indicated on the report. Adult reference range reported, reduced levels may be present in teenagers, with reduced levels in children and babies.

Turnaround Time

Within 5 weeks

Testing Frequency

Monthly.

External Notes

Clotting Protein C Assay. The rare type 2B Protein C deficiencies may be detected in conjunction with a chromogenic assay.

References

Guidelines on the laboratory aspects of assays used in haemostasis and thrombosis. Mackie I, P. Cooper, A. Lawrie, S. Kitchen, E. Gray, M. Laffan. International journal of laboratory haematology. Volume 35, Issue 1, pages 1â13, February 2013.
The phenotypic and genetic assessment of protein C deficiency. Cooper PC, Hill M, Maclean RM. Int J Lab Hematol. 2012 Aug;34.
Baglin et al; British Committee for Standards in Haematology. Clinical guidelines for testing for heritable thrombophilia. Br J Haematol. 2010 Apr;149(2):209-220.

Your contact for this test

Kieron Hickey

Thrombophilia Section Lead and Deputy Laboratory Manager - Coagulation

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Protein C (PC) Clotting Assay