Antithrombin III
Alternative Names: AT III
Antithrombin III is a blood test that measures the amount of antithrombin III (AT III), a protein that helps control blood clotting.
Why is the Test Performed?
Your doctor may order this test if you have repeated blood clots or if blood thinning medicine does not work.
How is the Test Performed?
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
Preparation for the Test
Certain medicines may affect the results of the test. Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking certain medicines or reduce their dose before the test. Do not stop taking any medicine before speaking with your doctor.
How will the Test Feel?
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Antithrombin III Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Considerations
Birth control pills can cause a slight decrease in AT III levels.
Normal Results for Antithrombin III
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Lower-than-normal AT III may mean you have an increased risk of clotting. Abnormal results may not show up until you are an adult.
Examples of disorders and conditions associated with increased blood clotting include:
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Phlebitis (vein inflammation)
- Pulmonary embolus (blood clot traveling to lung)
- Thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation with clot formation)
Lower than normal AT III may be due to:
- Bone marrow transplant
- DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
- AT III deficiency, an inherited condition causing lower blood clotting protein levels
- Liver cirrhosis
- Nephrotic syndrome
Higher than normal AT III may be due to:
- Use of anabolic steroids
Learn more about Antithrombin III
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
