APC Resistance Screening Tests Available from DiaPharma

During the last years, publications have suggested that the APC resistance phenotype is a risk factor for venous thrombosis, irrespective of the FV Leiden mutation1. The Coatest® APC Resistance and Coatest® APC Resistance V kits measure different entities, and hence both are included in the thrombophilia screening panel in a number of well-respected laboratories...

Since APC resistance was first detected in 1993, Chromogenix and DiaPharma have been leaders in APC resistance diagnostics. The Coatest® APC Resistance test was a revolution in coagulation testing. In order to allow for APC resistance analysis of plasma from patients on oral anticoagulant or heparin therapy, a modification of the original APC resistance test was developed. While Coatest® APC Resistance kits detect APC resistance phenotype regardless of it cause, Coatest® APC Resistance V kits exclusively detect inherited APC Resistance due to mutations in the Factor V gene. This assay variant not only gives unsurpassed sensitivity for the FV:Q506 mutation, but also strongly reduces the influence of pre-analytical variations and is not influenced by heparin or warfarin. Compared to PCR analysis, Coatest® APC Resistance V is a more cost effective test for the Factor V mutation and provides a quicker turn-around time.

Furthermore, recent publications have described laboratory testing algorithms for Activated Protein C Resistance that include a screening test for APC resistance2. Since the genetic tests for FV Leiden are much more costly and labor intensive than the clot-based screening assay, the clot-based test using FV deficient plasma is the preferred method2. Because the screening assay shows sensitivity and specificity values approximating 100%, it can be used to determine if further analysis at the genetic level is necessary. Using Coatest® APC Resistance V to screen patients will save the laboratory both time and money.

With these APC resistance screening tests, DiaPharma can offer the optimal combination of phenotypic and genotypic information for clinical decision-making. Please contact us today to learn more at 1-800-447-3846 or info@diapharma.com.

References:

  1. Uri Seligsohn, Aharon Lubetsky. Genetic susceptibility to venous thrombosis. New England J Med, Vol.344, No 16- April 19, 2001.
  2. Van Cott E, et al. Activated Protein C Resistance, the Factor V Leiden Mutation, and a Laboratory Testing Algorithm. Arch Pathol Lab Med, Vol 126, May 2002.