Dilute Russell's Viper Venom Time - Use in Diagnosis

Use in Diagnosis

The dRVVT is one component of a workup of a suspected antiphospholipid antibody, the other component being the serological testing for anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies using ELISA technology. The Sapporo criteria require at least one of the above laboratory tests to be positive and the patient to have at least one clinical manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome such as vascular thrombosis or fetal mortality/morbidity in order to diagnose the antiphospholipid syndrome (also known as Hughes syndrome). Positive laboratory test results should be seen on two separate occasions at least twelve weeks apart in order for diagnosis. Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is an important marker for recurrent thrombosis, and often warrants indefinite anticoagulant (blood thinner) therapy.

The criteria were defined in 1999, and revised in 2006.