The Vibrant tests that investigate clotting include fibrinogen, platelets, and Factor II-V Leiden.
- Factor V Leiden and Factor II (prothrombin) are genetic factors that increase the risk of blood clots. Fibrinogen is a protein essential for blood clot formation.
- Fibrinogen is an acute phase reactant, meaning levels may rise sharply in response to inflammation or tissue damage. However, high levels of fibrinogen are not specific and do not indicate the cause or location of the inflammation or damage. Elevated fibrinogen levels may increase risk of developing a blood clot.
- Platelets are also essential for normal blood clotting. An excess of platelets (thrombocytosis) can cause excessive clotting and is usually the result of an existing condition such as anemia, cancer, inflammatory bowl disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or an infectious diseases.