Vitamin K
Note: this site is for informational purposes only. To view test results or book a test, use the NHS app in England or contact your GP.
The vitamin K test is a blood test in which a sample is taken from a vein to measure vitamin K levels and assess its role in blood clotting. It is used to help detect vitamin K deficiency, which can lead to bleeding problems due to impaired clotting factor production.
What is being tested?
Increasingly when requesting the vitamin K level laboratories may offer protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II). This marker increases when the vitamin K is low or inhibited e.g. by warfarin. There are three different subtypes of vitamin K and PIVKA-II therefore provides a sensitive marker of tissue status of vitamin K activity/concentration.
What else do I need to know?
Liver disease can increase PIVKA-II causing a false result.
Sample required?
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm
Test preparation needed?
None