If you are under a particular age (typically 45) and get a blood clot, or have a history of DVTs, strokes, or pulmonary embolisms in your family, it is a good idea to be tested for Factor V Leiden. While you may not receive much treatment after just one clot, in the future you will be able to take preventative actions knowing you are at a higher risk of it happening again.
Your doctor will order a series of blood tests to find out if you have the genetic mutation. The test is simple, though they do have to draw quite a bit of blood. Then, after a week or two, your results will be back.
If you do not have the gene, you do not have the disorder. If your tests show you have one bad gene, you are heterozygous. If you have two bad genes, you are homozygous.
Once diagnosed, you will need to speak to your health care provider on the best course of treatment. I recommend a hematologist, at least in the beginning. Then later, if you are comfortable with it, a family doctor should be okay.
If you have been diagnosed with Factor V Leiden, or know someone who has, and want more information or someone to talk to that has been through what you are going through, then feel free to visit and join our Factor V Leiden Support Group.
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