Lupus Anticoagulant by dRVVT Test
Understanding Lupus Anticoagulant Testing
The Lupus Anticoagulant by dRVVT Test represents a cornerstone diagnostic tool in modern hematology for detecting antiphospholipid antibodies that paradoxically increase clotting risk despite prolonging laboratory clotting times. This sophisticated assay employs the dilute Russell’s viper venom time (dRVVT) methodology, which specifically targets the phospholipid-dependent steps of the coagulation cascade. The test’s importance extends beyond mere detection—it provides critical insights into autoimmune-mediated thrombotic disorders that can significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life.
What Does This Test Measure?
The Lupus Anticoagulant by dRVVT Test specifically measures the presence and activity of lupus anticoagulant antibodies in blood plasma. These autoantibodies target phospholipid-binding proteins, interfering with in vitro phospholipid-dependent coagulation tests while paradoxically promoting thrombosis in vivo. The dRVVT method is particularly valuable because it:
- Detects antibodies that bind to beta-2-glycoprotein I and prothrombin complexes
- Identifies interference with the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin
- Provides sensitive detection of antiphospholipid antibodies through phospholipid-dependent assays
- Helps differentiate lupus anticoagulant from other coagulation inhibitors
Clinical Significance and Detection Parameters
This test measures clotting time prolongation in the presence of dilute Russell’s viper venom, which directly activates factor X in the coagulation cascade. The detection system utilizes electromechanical clot detection technology to precisely measure the endpoint of clot formation, ensuring accurate and reproducible results essential for clinical decision-making.
Who Should Consider This Test?
Several patient populations benefit from Lupus Anticoagulant testing, particularly those experiencing:
- Unexplained Thrombotic Events: Patients with venous or arterial thrombosis without clear risk factors
- Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Women experiencing three or more consecutive miscarriages, especially in the second trimester
- Autoimmune Disorders: Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions
- Unexplined Prolonged PTT: Patients with incidentally discovered prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time
- Thrombocytopenia: Individuals with low platelet counts of autoimmune origin
- Neurological Symptoms: Patients with stroke, transient ischemic attacks, or cognitive dysfunction at young ages
Symptom Indicators for Testing
Clinical manifestations that warrant consideration of lupus anticoagulant testing include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, myocardial infarction in young patients, livedo reticularis, heart valve abnormalities, and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome presentations.
Benefits of Lupus Anticoagulant Testing
Undergoing comprehensive lupus anticoagulant evaluation provides numerous clinical advantages:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Confirms or rules out antiphospholipid syndrome, enabling appropriate treatment planning
- Risk Stratification: Identifies patients at high risk for recurrent thrombotic events
- Pregnancy Management: Guides anticoagulation therapy during pregnancy to improve fetal outcomes
- Treatment Optimization: Informs decisions regarding anticoagulant type, intensity, and duration
- Prognostic Information: Provides insights into disease progression and potential complications
- Preventive Care: Enables proactive management to prevent devastating thrombotic events
Understanding Your Test Results
Interpreting Lupus Anticoagulant by dRVVT results requires careful clinical correlation:
Positive Results
A positive lupus anticoagulant result indicates the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and suggests increased thrombosis risk. Positive findings should be confirmed with repeat testing at least 12 weeks apart to establish persistence, as required by international diagnostic criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome.
Negative Results
Negative results generally indicate absence of detectable lupus anticoagulant activity. However, negative findings don’t completely exclude antiphospholipid syndrome, as some patients may have other antiphospholipid antibodies not detected by dRVVT methodology.
Borderline or Equivocal Results
Intermediate results may require additional testing with different methodologies or repeat evaluation after appropriate time intervals. Clinical context remains paramount in interpreting borderline findings.
Clinical Correlation
Test results must always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms, medical history, and additional laboratory findings. Positive lupus anticoagulant results in asymptomatic individuals may represent incidental findings requiring monitoring rather than immediate intervention.
Test Pricing and Availability
| Price Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Discount Price | $50 |
| Regular Price | $56 |
Turnaround Time and Sample Requirements
Our laboratory processes samples daily by 3 PM with next-day reporting. The test requires 3 mL whole blood collected in one blue top (sodium citrate) tube. Proper sample handling is crucial—samples must be mixed thoroughly by inversion and transported to the laboratory within 4 hours. If immediate transport isn’t possible, platelet-poor plasma preparation must be completed within one hour of collection with immediate freezing and frozen shipment.
Pre-Test Instructions
For optimal results, overnight fasting is preferred. Patients should discontinue heparin for one day and oral anticoagulants for seven days prior to sampling, with physician approval. Duly filled Coagulation Requisition Form (Form 15) is mandatory for test processing.
Nationwide Accessibility
General Genetics Corporation provides comprehensive Lupus Anticoagulant by dRVVT testing services across the United States. We maintain diagnostic facilities in all major metropolitan areas including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose. Our network ensures convenient access to specialized coagulation testing regardless of your location.
Take Control of Your Health Today
Don’t let unexplained clotting disorders or pregnancy complications go undiagnosed. The Lupus Anticoagulant by dRVVT Test provides the critical information needed for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Our specialized coagulation laboratory, staffed by experienced hematology professionals, delivers reliable results you can trust for making informed healthcare decisions.
Ready to schedule your test? Contact us today at +1(267) 388-9828 or book your appointment online. Our patient coordinators are available to answer your questions and help you navigate the testing process with confidence and convenience.
