Thrombophilia screens
What a thrombophilia screen contains, how each assay works, the reference ranges and cut-offs, how acute thrombosis, heparin, warfarin, DOACs, pregnancy and oestrogen distort the results, and worked examples of reading a screen.
Tier 2Medical sciences concept
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- A thrombophilia screen is a panel of separate assays, each with its own interferences. Read them one by one.
- Genetic tests and antibody ELISAs are stable; functional assays (antithrombin, protein C, protein S, lupus anticoagulant) are distorted by acute thrombosis, anticoagulants, pregnancy, oestrogen and liver disease.
- A single low functional result is never a diagnosis. Repeat it under clean conditions, and test relatives if needed.
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Sources
- American Society of Hematology 2023 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: thrombophilia testingMiddeldorp S et al., Blood Adv 2023;7:7101-38, 2023
- Thrombophilia testing: a British Society for Haematology guidelineArachchillage DJ et al., Br J Haematol 2022;198:443-58, 2022
- New guidelines from the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand for the diagnosis and management of venous thromboembolismAU/NZTran HA et al., Med J Aust 2019;210:227-35, 2019
- An update on laboratory detection and interpretation of antiphospholipid antibodies for diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome: guidance from the ISTH-SSCDevreese KMJ et al., J Thromb Haemost 2025;23:731-44, 2025
- Lupus anticoagulant detection in anticoagulated patients: guidance from the ISTH SSCTripodi A et al., J Thromb Haemost 2020;18:1569-75, 2020
- The 2023 ACR/EULAR antiphospholipid syndrome classification criteriaBarbhaiya M et al., Ann Rheum Dis 2023;82:1258-70, 2023
- Medicare Benefits Schedule item 73308 (factor V Leiden and other relevant mutations)AU/NZAustralian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- RCPA Manual: thrombophilia screenAU/NZRoyal College of Pathologists of Australasia
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Turnstile bot check on sign-in and signed-out feedback