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APCR-Activated Protein C Resistance
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No Fasting Required
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Coagulation assay to assess resistance to activated protein C.
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APCR-Activated Protein C Resistance Test Guide
- Why is it done?
- The APCR test measures the resistance of blood to the anticoagulant effect of activated protein C (APC), primarily used to detect Factor V Leiden mutation, the most common inherited thrombophilia
- Ordered to evaluate patients with unexplained venous thromboembolism (DVT or PE), including first occurrence or recurrent episodes
- Performed in patients with thrombosis at unusual sites (cerebral or mesenteric veins) or at a young age
- Used to screen family members of patients with known Factor V Leiden mutation
- Indicated in women before starting oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy if there is a personal or family history of thrombosis
- Recommended for evaluation of recurrent pregnancy losses or complications such as preeclampsia
- Normal Range
- APCR Ratio (Normal): Greater than 2.0 (typically 2.0-4.0)
- APCR Ratio (Borderline): 1.5-2.0 - suggests possible heterozygous Factor V Leiden
- APCR Ratio (Abnormal): Less than 1.5 - indicates activated protein C resistance, consistent with Factor V Leiden mutation
- Unit of Measurement: Ratio (dimensionless)
- Normal Result: Blood responds appropriately to activated protein C and exhibits normal anticoagulant response, indicating absence of Factor V Leiden
- Abnormal Result: Blood shows resistance to activated protein C, suggesting Factor V Leiden mutation and increased thrombotic risk
- Interpretation
- APCR Ratio > 2.0 (Normal): Indicates normal protein C response; blood clots appropriately and no Factor V Leiden mutation is present; low risk for thrombosis related to this factor
- APCR Ratio 1.5-2.0 (Borderline): May suggest heterozygous Factor V Leiden mutation; genetic testing recommended to confirm; moderate increase in thrombotic risk
- APCR Ratio < 1.5 (Abnormal): Strongly suggests Factor V Leiden mutation; significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism; requires confirmatory DNA testing and anticoagulation management
- Factors Affecting Results:
- Anticoagulation therapy (warfarin, heparin) - can affect results and should be withheld if possible
- Protein C deficiency can cause false positive results (low APCR ratio) independent of Factor V Leiden
- Lupus anticoagulant presence may interfere with test interpretation
- Elevated factor VIII levels can lower APCR ratio without representing true resistance
- Acute thrombosis or pregnancy may temporarily affect results
- Clinical Significance:
- Approximately 4-7% of Caucasian population carries Factor V Leiden; higher in specific ethnic groups
- Homozygous carriers have 50-100 fold increased thrombotic risk; heterozygous carriers have 3-5 fold increased risk
- Combined with other risk factors (oral contraceptives, pregnancy, immobility), thrombotic risk is significantly amplified
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems:
- Vascular system - entire circulatory network including arteries and veins
- Blood and coagulation cascade - particularly affecting factor V and protein C regulation
- Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - lower extremity or other locations
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) - potentially fatal complications
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis - stroke-like symptoms
- Mesenteric vein thrombosis - abdominal complications
- Portal vein thrombosis - liver complications
- Pregnancy-related complications including preeclampsia and placental insufficiency
- Potential Complications with Abnormal Results:
- Recurrent thrombosis requiring lifelong anticoagulation
- Post-thrombotic syndrome with chronic leg swelling and pain
- Chronic pulmonary hypertension following pulmonary embolism
- Hemorrhagic complications from prolonged anticoagulation therapy
- Increased miscarriage risk and fetal complications in pregnant women
- Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory Testing:
- Factor V Leiden DNA mutation testing - gold standard genetic confirmation of Factor V Leiden mutation
- Prothrombin G20210A mutation analysis - evaluates another common inherited thrombophilia
- Additional Thrombophilia Workup:
- Protein C activity level - assess protein C deficiency as alternative explanation
- Protein S activity level - evaluate for protein S deficiency
- Antithrombin activity - screen for antithrombin deficiency
- Lupus anticoagulant testing - detect antiphospholipid syndrome
- Anticardiolipin antibodies and beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies - additional antiphospholipid testing
- Imaging and Clinical Studies:
- Deep vein thrombosis ultrasound - visualize blood clots in veins if thrombosis suspected
- Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) - confirm pulmonary embolism diagnosis
- Coagulation Studies:
- Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) - baseline and monitoring on warfarin
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) - assess overall coagulation and heparin effect
- Factor VIII activity level - elevated levels can affect APCR interpretation
- Monitoring Frequency:
- INR monitoring on warfarin - initially weekly, then monthly once stable, target INR 2-3
- Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) monitoring - baseline renal function and CBC; repeat annually or as clinically indicated
- Heparin therapy - aPTT monitoring per protocol, typically every 6 hours initially
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Status: No
- Fasting is NOT required for APCR testing
- Special Instructions and Patient Preparation:
- Avoid anticoagulation therapy if possible before testing - discuss with physician regarding warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants; if already on therapy, result interpretation requires adjustment
- Avoid estrogen-containing medications - oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy should be withheld 4-6 weeks if possible, as they affect protein C levels
- Optimal timing - defer testing for at least 10 days after acute thrombotic event if possible, and 2-4 weeks after thrombosis resolution for most accurate results
- Avoid recent surgery or immobilization - wait at least 2 weeks after surgical procedures if possible
- Proper specimen collection - blood sample should be collected in sterile citrate tube; proper fill volume critical as ratio of blood to anticoagulant affects results
- Notify phlebotomist of relevant medical history - recent blood clots, pregnancy, or current medications that may affect results
- Specimen handling - transport sample promptly to laboratory; avoid hemolysis or prolonged delays that may compromise test accuracy
- No specific dietary or activity restrictions the day of testing beyond medication considerations mentioned above
How our test process works!

