What is the Factor V Leiden test?

Factor V Leiden test is used to diagnose the abnormal form of Factor V. Factor V Leiden is a mutated variant of Factor V that helps in the normal blood clotting process after an injury. When you have Factor V Leiden mutation, it blocks the clotting ability of factor V, leading to unregulated coagulation of blood. This causes clot formation in the veins, leading to embolism and thrombosis in the body. Factor V Leiden is a common genetic mutation among the European population. It is named Leiden, after a Dutch city where it was first identified.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Factor V Leiden test is used to diagnose a type of mutant Factor V, which causes hypercoagulability of blood. Hypercoagulability causes the formation of abnormal blood clots in the bloodstream that can travel through the heart to the lungs via veins, leading to fatal conditions like pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

    If your test results show the presence of activated protein C resistance along with the presence of the prothrombin 20210 (PT 20210) gene in your report, it means that you have a presence of Factor V Leiden in your blood. Two copies of PT 20210 in the report mean that you are a homozygous case and carry more risk of thrombosis.

    If you are under 50 and tend to develop abnormal blood clots along with a family history of DVT, you may need to get tested for the factor V Leiden test. This is a common genetic condition among ethnic European communities, so you should get this test if you are Caucasian or have caucasian ancestry.

    There are no special instructions to follow before this diagnostic test. A tourniquet is tied around your upper arm during the test to draw blood slowly through the vein (Venipuncture). The blood is then tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for activated protein C resistance. A DNA test is required to check for defective genes if it is present.

    Factor V deficiency causes a lack of Factor V, which helps normal blood clotting. The test for factor V deficiency is done by: 

    • Factor V assays test the presence of factor V in the blood
    • Prothrombin time test and activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT), which checks the effect of other clotting factors like I, II, V, VII, IX, X.

    Factor V Leiden is an inherited disorder, and there are chances that your baby will also develop this condition sooner or later in their life if you carry the mutated factor V Leiden gene. The chances are increased with both parents having this genetic condition (homozygous) compared to only one having this condition (heterozygous).

    A Factor V Leiden test might take 5-8 days, depending upon the laboratory where the test is conducted. Usually, two tests are done to diagnose the factor, V Leiden, in the blood: blood screening and DNA testing to check the genetic predisposition of this disease. Therefore, it takes a bit of time to get your final results.

    Factor V is a normal blood clotting factor that causes normal blood coagulation when any injury happens. It is a very crucial factor as it prevents excessive loss of blood. On the other hand, factor V Leiden is a mutation of Factor V, which causes abnormal blood coagulation leading to diseases like pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.

    Yes, you can donate blood with Factor V Leiden as long as you don't have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Venous injury in these patients causes abnormal clot formation, further complicating their condition. Merely having Factor V Leiden doesn't cause any issue with blood donation. Anticoagulants cause side effects, so stop taking them five days before donating blood.

    Suppose you are on blood-thinning medication like Warfarin due to factor V Leiden. In that case, you should avoid taking any NSAID medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc., as they increase the chance of abnormal bleeding in patients suffering from DVT. The lowest dose for pain relief can be taken but under the expert guidance of a physician.


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