Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | LA dRVVT, dRVVT, Dilute Russell Viper Venom Time Test, Lupus Anticoagulant by dRVVT, DRVVT Screen Test, LA Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (plasma, collected in a sodium citrate tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required unless advised by your doctor |
| Report Time | Within 36 hours |
| Recommended For | All genders, adults; commonly ordered for women with recurrent miscarriages |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,050 |
What is a Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test?
The Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT test, also called the Dilute Russell Viper Venom Time test, is a blood test that checks for a type of antibody known as lupus anticoagulant (LA) in your blood. LA targets phospholipids, which are fat-protein molecules found in cell membranes, and can cause the blood to clot more than it should. Despite its name, this lupus anticoagulant blood test does not test for lupus the disease. A small blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm is used for this test.
What Does a Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test Measure?
The dRVVT test works in stages to identify whether lupus anticoagulant is present and to rule out other causes of abnormal clotting. The three key parameters are described below.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| dRVVT Screen Ratio | Initial clotting time using a low amount of phospholipids; a prolonged time suggests LA may be present |
| dRVVT Confirm Ratio | Clotting time repeated with a higher amount of phospholipids; confirms whether LA is truly responsible for prolongation |
| dRVVT Mix Ratio | Patient plasma is mixed with normal plasma to tell apart LA from deficiencies in specific clotting factors |
Why is a Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test Done?
Doctors order this test when they suspect a patient's blood may be clotting abnormally. Below are the common reasons it is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often prompt a doctor to request a lupus anticoagulant test:
- Unexplained blood clots in veins or arteries
- Prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT) found on a previous blood test
- Recurrent miscarriages with no clear cause
- Signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as swelling or pain in the leg
- Symptoms of pulmonary embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
- Stroke or heart attack in a younger person with no obvious risk factors
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The LA dRVVT test can help identify several conditions linked to abnormal blood clotting:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune condition that raises the risk of blood clots
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with associated clotting complications
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs)
Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test During Pregnancy
This test is routinely ordered for women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages. Lupus anticoagulant is present in a notable proportion of women attending recurring miscarriage clinics, and it is considered a key predictor of poor pregnancy outcomes. Identifying LA early allows doctors to monitor and manage the pregnancy more closely.
Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, the DRVVT screening test and confirmatory testing are repeated over time. According to established clinical guidelines, a positive result must be confirmed on two separate occasions at least 12 weeks apart before a diagnosis of APS can be made. Ongoing testing helps doctors track whether antibodies persist and guides decisions about anticoagulation treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the dRVVT test is straightforward, but a few points are worth keeping in mind before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection unless your doctor has given you specific instructions otherwise.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few simple steps to ensure an accurate sample:
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including blood thinners, antibiotics, and cancer treatments
- If you are on heparin therapy, your doctor may ask you to pause it at least two days before collection
- Avoid anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin or heparin before the test, unless your doctor advises differently
- Stay well hydrated, as this helps with the blood draw
- Wear clothing with a sleeve that rolls up easily
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process is quick and straightforward. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist locates a suitable vein, usually in your arm.
- The skin over the vein is wiped clean with an antiseptic solution.
- A fine needle is used to draw a small blood sample; this typically takes no more than five minutes.
- The blood is collected into a sodium citrate (blue-top) tube, which prevents it from clotting before analysis.
- The puncture site is covered with a small bandage.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is processed and the plasma is frozen promptly for testing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may affect how reliable your results are:
- Taking anticoagulant medicines such as heparin or warfarin before the test
- Certain antibiotics or cancer-treatment drugs in your system at the time of testing
- Recent blood transfusions
- A haemolysed sample (where red blood cells have broken down) or a lipaemic sample (one with high fat content)
Understanding Your Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test Results
Your results are reported as ratios. A doctor should always review them alongside your symptoms and medical history. The table below shows the general reference ranges for the Dilute Russell Viper Venom Time test.
| Parameter | Normal (Negative) | Abnormal (Positive) |
|---|---|---|
| dRVVT Screen Ratio | Less than 1.20 | 1.20 or above |
| dRVVT Confirm Ratio | Less than 1.20 | 1.20 or above |
| dRVVT Mix Ratio | Less than 1.20 | 1.20 or above |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some conditions can affect the reliability of your dRVVT test results. Your doctor will consider these when reviewing your report.
Excess heparin in the blood, or the presence of inhibitors against clotting factors V or VIII, can produce a false-positive screen result. Inflammation, as measured by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), has also been linked to longer clotting times on the dRVVT screen. Certain viral infections, including HIV, can trigger the temporary production of lupus anticoagulant antibodies, leading to a transient positive result that may resolve once the infection clears.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While there is no specific diet for lupus anticoagulant, these general habits support circulatory health:
- Avoid smoking and limit prolonged periods of sitting or lying still, both of which increase the risk of clot formation
- Keep active and maintain a healthy weight, in line with your doctor's guidance
- Attend all follow-up appointments, especially if you have a prior history of blood clots or a known autoimmune condition
Lupin Diagnostics Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test Price and Home Collection
The Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT test starts at approximately ₹1,050, with home sample collection available across major Indian cities. The table below shows approximate prices by city.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1,700 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,700 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,700 |
| Chennai | ₹1,700 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,700 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
Choose your city and preferred time slot.
Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the LA dRVVT test across cities in India, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Once your report is ready, it is delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dRVVT screening test uses a small amount of phospholipids to determine whether clotting time is prolonged, which may suggest the presence of lupus anticoagulant. The dRVVT confirmatory test repeats the procedure using a higher phospholipid concentration. If the clotting time corrects with the higher concentration, it confirms that lupus anticoagulant is responsible for the prolongation rather than a clotting factor deficiency.
The term 'lupus anticoagulant' comes from its effect in laboratory clotting tests, where it prolongs clotting time. However, within the body, the presence of lupus anticoagulant is associated with an increased risk of developing blood clots rather than preventing them.
No, fasting is not required before the lupus anticoagulant dRVVT test. However, you should inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners, as they may affect the test results.
A single positive result is not sufficient to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome. Your doctor will usually recommend repeat testing after at least 12 weeks and consider your medical history, symptoms, and additional laboratory findings before making a diagnosis.
Yes, the dRVVT test can be performed during pregnancy. It is commonly used in women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages because lupus anticoagulant is associated with pregnancy-related complications. Your doctor will explain the significance of the results based on your individual circumstances.
Yes, certain infections, including viral infections such as HIV, can temporarily trigger the production of lupus anticoagulant antibodies. In some cases, the test may become negative once the infection resolves, which is why repeat testing after 12 weeks is recommended.
Reports for the Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT test are typically available within 36 hours of sample collection. Turnaround time may vary slightly depending on laboratory workload and sample quality.
Lupus Anticoagulant dRVVT Test: Booking, Price, and Results
