Protein C and S antigens are activated by the presence of endothelial cell cofactor(thrombomodulin) to form the active enzyme Protein C and S. Activated enzymes fuction as anticoagulants by proteolytically inactivating the activated clotting factors Va and VIIIa. In this way, Activated Protein C and S enhance fibrinolysis by inactivating Plasminogen activator inhibitör (PAI – 1). Measuring the activity differs the test from the quantitative protein amount measurement which indicates a problem in synthesis and and inherited deficiency of the protein where the activity is the functional ability of the proteins to perform their functions.
Interpretation: Measurement of Protein C and S activities indicate whether the clotting regulations are adequate. Elevated levels are not usually associated with medical problems but low levels in the activities can cause excessive or inappropriate blood clotting.
Sample: Arm vein plasma (CITRATE). Nonfasting
Working day: Friday
Result Time: Same day 6:00 PM