Plasminogen details
What Plasminogen shows
Plasminogen is a protein made by the liver that circulates in your blood until it is activated into plasmin, the enzyme that dissolves blood clots once they are no longer needed. This test measures plasminogen activity in your plasma as part of evaluating your clot-breakdown system, for example in thrombotic risk assessments. Low activity can be seen with an inherited plasminogen deficiency, liver disease, widespread clotting such as disseminated intravascular coagulation, or clot-dissolving treatment. Levels can be higher in pregnancy and during inflammation. Results are interpreted alongside other clotting tests and your medical history.
Tests that include Plasminogen
Decreased plasminogen activity may be inherited or acquired. Acquired deficiencies may occur with: tranexamic acid and L-asparginase use, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver disease, during and after thrombolytic therapy, sepsis, and hyperthyroidism. Plasminogen activity is developmentally regulated, reaching adult levels at approximately 6 months of age. As a positive acute phase reactant, increased levels are associated with infection, trauma, surgery, inflammation, and malignancy.
- Plasminogen Measures the activity of plasminogen, the protein that becomes plasmin to break down blood clots, used when assessing clotting and bleeding risk.
The Thrombotic Risk Assessment assesses an individual's risk for developing a thrombotic event, such as a stroke or heart attack, by measuring factors affecting blood clotting.
- Homocysteine An amino acid byproduct of protein metabolism. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and can reflect low B vitamin (B12, folate, B6) status.
- Protein C Activity Measures the activity of Protein C, a natural anticoagulant. Low activity is linked to an increased risk of blood clots.
- Activated Protein C Resistance Checks whether your blood resists the natural anticlotting action of activated protein C, most often caused by the inherited factor V Leiden variant.
- Antithrombin III Activity Measures the activity of a protein that naturally helps prevent excessive blood clotting. Low levels are linked to an increased risk of blood clots.
- Beta-2-Glycoprotein I Antibody (IgA) Measures IgA antibodies against beta-2-glycoprotein I, one of the antiphospholipid antibodies, used to evaluate antiphospholipid syndrome and causes of blood clots.
- Beta-2-Glycoprotein I Antibody (IgG) Measures IgG antibodies against beta-2-glycoprotein I, one of the antiphospholipid antibodies, used to evaluate antiphospholipid syndrome and causes of blood clots.
- Beta-2-Glycoprotein I Antibody (IgM) Measures IgM antibodies against beta-2-glycoprotein I, one of the antiphospholipid antibodies, used to evaluate antiphospholipid syndrome and causes of blood clots.
- Cardiolipin Antibody (IgA) An antibody that attacks the body's own phospholipids (IgA type). One of the markers used to help diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome, which raises the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications.
- Cardiolipin Antibody (IgG) An antibody that attacks the body's own phospholipids (IgG type). One of the markers used to help diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome, which raises the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications.
- Cardiolipin Antibody (IgM) An antibody that attacks the body's own phospholipids (IgM type). One of the markers used to help diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome, which raises the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications.
- Dilute Russell's Viper Venom Time (DRVVT) Screen A clotting test that helps screen for lupus anticoagulant, an antibody linked with a higher risk of blood clots and some pregnancy complications.
- Factor II (F2) DNA Analysis A genetic test for the prothrombin (Factor II) G20210A variant, an inherited change in the F2 gene that can raise the tendency to form blood clots.
- Lupus Anticoagulant Detects lupus anticoagulant, an antiphospholipid antibody that prolongs clotting tests in the lab but is linked to an increased risk of blood clots.
- Plasminogen Measures the activity of plasminogen, the protein that becomes plasmin to break down blood clots, used when assessing clotting and bleeding risk.
- Protein S Antigen, Free The unbound, biologically active portion of Protein S, a natural anticoagulant. Low levels raise the risk of blood clots.
- PTT-LA Screen A clotting-time screen sensitive to lupus anticoagulant, an antibody linked to blood clots, used as a first step in antiphospholipid testing.
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
Book a specialist