Antithrombin III

General information:

Antithrombin is the most important inhibitor of activated factors in the plasma coagulation system. Its primary function is inactivation of thrombin (factor IIa) and weaker factor Xa. AT also inhibits the factors XIIa, XIa, IXa. The inhibitory effect of AT increases significantly when bound to heparin, which acts as a cofactor. AT controls the activation of the internal pathway of the coagulation cascade and protects the body against thrombus formation. Decreasing its activity to 70-50% (norm 80-120%) or more leads to an increased risk of thromboembolic complications.

AT concentrations in postmenopausal women are lower than in men. After the 13th week of pregnancy and after birth the AT concentration is low. In men, AT values ​​decrease with age. Children up to 6 months of age are low in AT, after which the values ​​gradually equalize with those in adults.

Sample required:

Venous blood

Key words:

Antithrombin, АТ