Protein S – a standard thrombophilia diagnostic parameter

What is thrombophilia?

Thrombophilia is a medical condition characterized by an increased risk to develop a thrombotic event. In most cases this is venous thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Also, the condition can lead to premature birth and other complications during pregnancy. Thombophilia diagnostics includes the determination of the underlying root cause for recurrent thrombotic events.

free Protein S deficiency as thrombophilia risk factor

Protein S is a Vitamin K depended protein, synthesized in the liver. It acts in the body as a natural anticoagulant. As co-factor of activated Protein C, it triggers the inactivation of the clotting factors Va and VIIIa.

Dysfunctional or reduced Protein S can be the reason of an imbalanced coagulation system that results in thrombophilia. Approximately two thirds of Protein S is bound to C4 Binding Protein (C4BP). Only non-bound free Protein S has functional activity. The free Protein S level is expressed in %, with 100% corresponding to 1 IU/ml of the International Standard NIBSC 03/228.¹

Forms of Protein S deficiencies

There are two forms of Proteins S deficiency, it can be aquired or hereditary. The hereditary form of protein S deficiency is caused by a mutation in a gene called PROS1. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The aquired form of Protein S deficiency originate either in a chronic or accute diseases or in medication.¹

Causes of aquired Protein S deficiency

• Vitamin K-antagonist therapy
• Chronic infections
• Severe hepatic disease
• Nephritic syndrome
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell anemia

Hereditary forms

Types of hereditary Protein S deficiencies

Advantages of an immunologic free Protein S assay

Approx. 95% of patients have type I or III. For this reason a free Protein S assay has a higher predictive value than a total Protein S assay.² Functional assays depend on various factors that influence coagulation. Hence the specificity of a functional assay is moderate with 40-70%.³ A free Protein S antigen assay utilizes specific free Protein S antibodies, that are not influenced by coagulation interferences.

Ordering information and specification

• Liquid, latex-enhanced immunoassay
  with turbidimetric detection
• Proven specificity for free Protein S
• Traceability to International Standard NIBSC 03/228
• Quality Control with HEMOSTAT Calibrator
  and Control Plasma
• Kit size also suitable for low-throughput
• Excellent open vial stability of 8 weeks (2-8°C)
• Regulatory status: CE IVD

• Lyophilized human plasma