Skip to main content
DNA Labs India

Protein Electrophoresis 24 Hour Urine Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Protein Electrophoresis 24 Hour Urine Test

Short Name: Free Protein S

Also known as: Free Protein S Antigen, Protein S Free Antigen, Protein S Antigen, Free

Protein Electrophoresis 24 Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹7,000. Uses Immunoturbidimetry on Whole blood samples. Results in Samples received by 11 am are generally reported the same day.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Haematology🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Dr Pasupathy Arumugam

Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

This assay is used as an adjunct to initial testing based on the results of Protein S antigen assay. It helps in evaluating patients with history of venous thromboembolism and diagnosing Congenital / Acquired Protein S deficiency.

Test Code
3585
Price
₹7,000
Sample Type
Whole blood
Result Time
Samples received by 11 am are generally reported the same day.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Immunoturbidimetry
Step 1

Sample Collection

Overnight fasting is preferred. The patient should discontinue heparin for 1 day and oral anticoagulants for 7 days before sampling, provided the treating physician agrees. The Coagulation Requisition Form (Form 15) must be duly filled.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A healthcare professional will collect 3 mL venous blood into a blue-top sodium citrate tube. The tube must be mixed gently by inversion immediately after collection.

Step 3

Report Delivery

If the sample cannot reach the laboratory within 4 hours, platelet-poor plasma should be prepared within 1 hour by double centrifugation, transferred to a labelled plastic screw-capped vial and frozen immediately. Do not thaw during transport.

Timeline: Samples received by 11 am are generally reported the same day.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Overnight fasting is preferred. Heparin should be stopped for 1 day and oral anticoagulants for 7 days before sampling, only with the treating physician's consent. The Coagulation Requisition Form (Form 15) must be completed.
2
During the Test:A small amount of venous blood, about 3 mL, will be collected into a blue-top sodium citrate tube. The tube will be mixed gently by inversion.
3
After the Test:You may resume normal activities unless advised otherwise by your doctor. The sample will be transported to the laboratory for processing and same-day reporting if received by 11 am.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

This assay is used as an adjunct to initial testing based on the results of Protein S antigen assay. It helps in evaluating patients with history of venous thromboembolism and diagnosing Congenital / Acquired Protein S deficiency.

How to Prepare

  • Collect 3 mL whole blood in 1 Blue Top (Sodium Citrate) tube.
  • Mix thoroughly by inversion.
  • Transport to lab within 4 hours at room temperature or refrigerated.
  • If transport within 4 hours is not possible, prepare PPP within 1 hour of collection: centrifuge at 3600 rpm for 15 minutes, transfer supernatant to a clean plastic tube, then centrifuge again and transfer supernatant to a labelled screw-capped plastic vial.
  • Freeze the prepared PPP immediately and ship frozen. Do not thaw.
  • Overnight fasting is preferred.
  • Duly filled Coagulation Requisition Form (Form 15) is mandatory.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521

"A low free protein S result should be interpreted with clinical context, medication history and repeat testing before confirming a hereditary deficiency."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeWhole blood
Sample Volume3 mL
Container1 Blue Top (Sodium Citrate) tube
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room temperature (20-25°C)
Refrigerator (2-8°C)
Frozen (-20°C or below)
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Clotted, haemolysed, or underfilled sodium citrate tube
  • Sample received beyond 4 hours without preparation of platelet-poor plasma
  • Platelet-poor plasma thawed during transport
  • Missing Coagulation Requisition Form (Form 15)
  • Sample collected in incorrect tube or with incorrect anticoagulant

Understanding Your Results

The free protein S antigen result must be interpreted alongside the patient’s clinical picture and other coagulation findings. Protein S deficiency may be congenital or acquired, and a single low level is not enough to confirm a lifelong diagnosis.
Low free protein S antigen may suggest congenital or acquired protein S deficiency and should be repeated before confirmation.
Normal free protein S antigen makes a quantitative deficiency less likely, but does not exclude a qualitative protein S defect.
Borderline low results should be interpreted with the laboratory-specific reference interval and clinical context.
Results while on anticoagulant therapy, during pregnancy, or during an acute thrombotic episode may not reflect baseline protein S status.
⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If you develop symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness or warmth in the legs; shortness of breath; chest pain; weakness or numbness of the face, arms or legs; or difficulty speaking, seek urgent medical care. Also consult a doctor for evaluation of a confirmed low free protein S level or before starting or stopping any anticoagulant therapy.

Limitations

  • ⚠Free protein S antigen alone may not detect qualitative (type II) protein S deficiency; functional assays are needed.
  • ⚠A single low result is not sufficient for a lifelong diagnosis of hereditary deficiency.
  • ⚠Results are affected by acute thrombosis, pregnancy, oestrogen therapy, liver disease and vitamin K antagonist therapy.
  • ⚠Reference intervals vary with age and sex, so an isolated result must be interpreted individually.
  • ⚠Anticoagulant therapy should be stopped only on the advice of the treating physician.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Mild discomfort or bruising at the venepuncture site
  • ●Small risk of bleeding or haematoma, which is rare
  • ●Dizziness or faintness during or after blood collection

Interfering Factors

  • ●Heparin should be discontinued for 1 day before sampling, with the treating physician's consent.
  • ●Oral anticoagulants should be discontinued for 7 days before sampling, with the treating physician's consent.
  • ●Pregnancy and oestrogen therapy can lower free protein S levels.
  • ●Acute venous thrombosis may transiently lower protein S levels.
  • ●Liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, DIC and nephrotic syndrome can cause acquired deficiency.
  • ●Samples not processed correctly due to delayed centrifugation can produce invalid results.

Compare With Similar Tests

TestProtein Electrophoresis 24 Hour Urine Test
ComparisonProtein Electrophoresis 24 Hour Urine Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Protein S Antigen Free test?
It measures the free, unbound fraction of Protein S in plasma. Protein S is a natural anticoagulant; low levels can increase the risk of blood clots.
Why is it called a 'free' Protein S test?
Protein S exists in bound and free forms. The free form is functionally active as a cofactor for activated protein C, so measuring this fraction is clinically useful.
Who should take this test?
People with a history of venous thromboembolism, unexplained recurrent clotting, suspected protein S deficiency, or a family history of hereditary thrombophilia may be advised to take this test.
Is fasting required for this test?
Overnight fasting is preferred, but it is not mandatory. Your doctor may advise fasting before sampling.
Can I continue blood-thinning medicines before the test?
Heparin should be stopped for 1 day and oral anticoagulants for 7 days before sampling, but only if the treating physician gives consent. Do not stop any medicine without medical advice.
What sample is collected?
A healthcare worker will collect 3 mL of whole blood into one blue-top tube containing sodium citrate. The tube is mixed gently by inversion and sent to the laboratory.
How should the sample be transported?
The sample should reach the lab within 4 hours. If delayed, platelet-poor plasma should be prepared within 1 hour by double centrifugation, frozen immediately, and shipped frozen without thawing.
When will I get the report?
Samples received by 11 am are generally reported the same day. Reports are delivered through the online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
What does a low Free Protein S Antigen mean?
Low free protein S antigen may suggest congenital or acquired protein S deficiency, but it can also occur with pregnancy, oestrogen use, liver disease, warfarin therapy, DIC, or acute thrombosis. A doctor should interpret the result.
Is this test enough to diagnose Protein S deficiency?
No. Free protein S antigen is one part of a thrombophilia workup. Functional protein S assay, total protein S antigen, and clinical correlation are usually needed to classify the deficiency.
Why do Protein S levels change with age, sex, and pregnancy?
Protein S levels are affected by oestrogen, age, and physiological states. Women, especially during pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives, often have lower levels.
What are the risks of this blood test?
The test is a routine venepuncture. Minor discomfort, bruising, or a small haematoma may occur at the puncture site; serious complications are very rare.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

Related Tests

Thrombotic Risk Screen Test

₹17,500

ADAMTS13 Activity Test

₹26,000

Antithrombin III Antigen Test

₹28,000

Coagulation Profile 1 Test

₹2,399

Coagulation Screen Test

₹1,123

D Dimer Quantitative Test

₹1,404
For Hospitals & Clinics

Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

LIMS Integration

Your Data Privacy

Your medical data is protected under Indian law.

✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

Book Your Test

Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.

🧬

Quick Connect

Enter your mobile number and we’ll connect you with the team.

+91

✅ Connecting you now...

🔒 Your number is used to respond to this request.