Clotting screen blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Blood clotting relies on a chain of proteins called clotting factors, which work together to form a plug and then a stable clot. This screen checks different parts of that chain. The prothrombin time, reported as an INR, tests one pathway and is affected by vitamin K, liver function and warfarin. The partial thromboplastin time tests another pathway and can be prolonged by certain factor deficiencies or heparin.

Fibrinogen is the protein that is turned into the fibre mesh of a clot. Low levels can lead to bleeding, while high levels are often seen with inflammation, pregnancy or smoking. Together, the three results give a good first look at whether the clotting system is working normally.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You bruise easily or have bleeding that seems to last longer than it should.
• You have heavy periods or frequent nosebleeds.
• You are preparing for a procedure and have been asked for a clotting check.
• You have a family history of a bleeding disorder.
• You have liver disease or a condition affecting vitamin K absorption.

Understanding your result

Your report shows each result against the laboratory reference range. A prolonged INR or partial thromboplastin time means blood is taking longer to clot in the laboratory, which can be due to medicines, low vitamin K, liver disease or a clotting factor deficiency. A raised fibrinogen often reflects inflammation rather than a clotting problem.

Clotting tests are sensitive to how the sample is taken and handled, so an unexpected result is usually repeated. Any result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, and your practitioner may suggest further tests or a GP referral rather than treating it as a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not needed. Tell us about any blood thinners, including warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, heparin, aspirin or clopidogrel, and do not stop them before the test unless your doctor has advised you to. Some supplements, such as high-dose fish oil, vitamin E and ginkgo, can also be relevant. This is a planned check: if you have signs of a clot, such as a painful swollen leg, chest pain or sudden breathlessness, call 999 or go to A&E.

A full blood count includes platelets, which also play a key part in clotting. You can also look through every blood test and price in Chiswick on one page.

Questions

How much is a clotting screen in Chiswick?

The Clotting Screen costs £89. This includes your blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Can I use this to monitor warfarin?

This screen includes an INR, but warfarin is usually monitored through your anticoagulation clinic, which adjusts your dose. Please continue with your usual monitoring.

What does a raised fibrinogen mean?

It is often linked to inflammation, infection, pregnancy or smoking rather than a clotting disorder. Your practitioner will read it alongside your other results.

Does this check for a blood clot?

No. It looks at how well your blood is able to clot. Anyone with symptoms of a clot should call 999 or go to A&E.