Abstract
Thrombophilia, i.e. disposition to thrombosis (usually meant venous thrombosis) is caused by the shift of haemostatic balance towards a prothrombotic direction. These disorders are inherited or acquired and are associated with various degree of the risk.
Their usual patho- genetic mechanism is the deficiency of natural inhibitors of coagulant factors or, conversely, the elevated level or activity of coagulant factors. Laboratory tests for the diagnostics of thrombophilia are often ordered as a part of differential diagnostic process in idiopathic venous thromboembolism.
However, thrombophilia testing should be rational, ordered in selected patients only, with correct timing and, especially, only after careful consideration of potential practical benefit of testing for the patient and/or for his/her family members.