Protein C

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

Protein C and protein S levels are decreased by some anticoagulants (such as Coumadin and warfarin). Measurements of protein C or S may be difficult to interpret in patients on oral anticoagulants.

During a clot-related event like a pulmonary embolism, proteins C and S are reduced anyway, and their measurements may be misleading until the episode is resolved.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

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