Venous thromboembolism and thrombophilia testing

Abstract

Thrombophilia testing detects individuals with hereditary or acquired prothrombotic states that predispose to venous thromboembolism. If one considers Virchow's triad, thrombophilia describes the changes in blood constituents that predispose to venous thromboembolism. Inherited and acquired risk factors for thrombosis are discussed, and an algorithm for the management of acute deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is presented.