Genetics

If blood clots are hereditary, is it in every generation?

Blood clots can skip a generation. If they are in your family, you could be tested for thrombophilia. If a known thrombophilia isn’t found, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a blood clotting disorder. There are many thrombophilia disorders not yet identified.  Read more about the genetics of thrombophilia.

Categories:

Do I have to come off anticoagulants for genetic testing?

Ideally testing is done when not on anticoagulant medication.  

Categories:

Should any of my family members be tested?

In general, testing is only ordered if the family member is in a potentially high-risk situation to developing a blood clot (i.e., major surgery or being prescribed an oral contraceptive). At that point, the family member who had the blood clot should be tested first so others know what to test specifically for.

Categories:

Can I request testing for genetic and autoimmune clotting conditions?

If the blood clot is clearly provoked (i.e., surgery or oral contraceptives) such testing is not routinely done as it will not change management. If it was unprovoked, testing of the autoimmune condition termed Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS) is appropriate as the presence of APAS would require the use of Warfarin as opposed to a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC). Also, if you become pregnant and have a family history of blood clots you might want to get tested to decide if you need prophylaxis during pregnancy.  

Categories:

Current News

Survey: Blood Clot Patients Report Gaps in Education and Support From Doctors

Thank you to the 1,050 blood clot patients who participated in our online survey in May and June of this…

NBCA Presenting at Conference For Women Legislators

The National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) is honored to be presenting for the first time at the National Foundation for…