Description

Antithrombin is a member of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. It is the principal plasma anticoagulant serpin mediating inactivation of serine protease procoagulant enzymes, chiefly thrombin and coagulation factors Xa and IXa.(1) Heparin and certain other naturally occurring glycosaminoglycans markedly enhance antithrombins anticoagulant activity (approximately 1,000-fold) by providing a template to catalyze formation of covalently bonded, inactive complexes of serine protease and antithrombin that are subsequently cleared from circulation. Antithrombin is the mediator of heparins anticoagulant activity.

Pre-Information

Overnight fasting is preferred. Patient should avoid Anabolic steroids, Gemfibrozil, Heparin therapy, Asparaginase, Estrogens, Gestodene and Oral contraceptives 3 days prior to specimen collection. Duly filled Coagulation Requisition Form & Test send Out