DNA Direct: Your Genes in Context

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Testing for Genetic Disorders

Related Genetic Tests

Blood Clotting Disorders

Includes a personalized report, a letter for your doctor, and toll-free support

Price: $265.00 - $380.00

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BLOOD CLOTTING DISORDERS

What Testing for Thrombophilia Tells You

This genetic test for thrombophilia will tell you whether you have one or more of the most common forms of inherited thrombophilia: factor V Leiden or a prothrombin mutation.

Thrombophilia can cause dangerous blood clots:

One copy of factor V Leiden increases your risk for having a dangerous blood clot to 5 to 7 times.
Two copies of factor V Leiden increase your risk about 80 times.
One copy of the prothrombin mutation increases your risk 2 to 3 times.
Two copies of the prothrombin mutation increases your risk further, but the exact amount is not known
One copy of factor V Leiden and one prothrombin mutation increase your risk 20 times.

Genes + Knowledge = Prevention

The good news about thrombophilia is that just carrying a gene does not guarantee that you will develop blood clots. In fact, knowing that you carry a gene can help you prevent blood clots.

There are lifestyle factors that combine with thrombophilia to increase your risk of blood clots:

Immobility (long flights, car rides, bed rest)
Surgery (venous catheters)
A sedentary lifestyle (no exercise)
Birth control pills
Pregnancy
Hormone replacement therapy
Obesity
Smoking
Other health concerns, including active cancer, infection, autoimmune disease
Age

The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop a blood clot. Examples of interventions or lifestyle modifications include:

Doing exercises to keep your blood circulating during long distance travel
Taking blood thinners during surgery
Choosing different forms of birth control or menopause treatment
Losing weight and exercising
Quitting smoking

For many people, knowing about a genetic risk gives them a sense of empowerment and motivates them to make changes in their lives. For those who have already had a serious blood clot, knowing their genetic risk helps them understand why they had a blood clot and helps their family members learn more about their individual risks for blood clots.

Next Article: Fast Facts