Methodology

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/DNA Probe Hybridization

(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)

Useful as an aid to diagnosis in the evaluation of patients with suspected thrombophilia. Inherited thrombophilia predispose an individual to thrombotic events such as venous thrombosis, the third most common cardiovascular disease. Activated protein C (APC) resistance is regarded as the most prevalent coagulation abnormality associated with venous thrombosis. Patients tested positive for APC resistance or the factor V Leiden mutation should be considered for molecular genetic testing for the most common other thrombophilias with overlapping phenotype, for which testing is available at present (ie, factor II [prothrombin] G20210A variant). It is present in 1% to 2% of the general population and its involvement in venous thromboembolism is well established.