Question 1

What is Purpura Fulminans?

Accepted Answer

Purpura fulminans is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by sudden skin necrosis and widespread blood clotting throughout the body. It is caused by congenital deficiencies in Protein S and Protein C, natural anticoagulant proteins that regulate blood clot formation. The Protein S Antigen, Free test is the most important test for diagnosing this severe thrombotic disorder.

Question 2

What causes purpura fulminans?

Accepted Answer

Purpura fulminans is caused by severe deficiencies in natural anticoagulant proteins, primarily Protein S and Protein C, which normally regulate blood clotting in the body. When these proteins are deficient due to congenital genetic mutations, the blood clotting system becomes uncontrolled, leading to widespread clot formation throughout small blood vessels. This catastrophic clotting blocks blood flow to the skin and other tissues, causing rapid tissue death and the characteristic dark purple skin patches that define this medical emergency.

Question 3

What is the best test for purpura fulminans?

Accepted Answer

The Protein S Antigen, Free test is the most important test for purpura fulminans because it directly measures the level of free Protein S, one of the key natural anticoagulants whose deficiency causes this condition. This test identifies whether you have dangerously low levels of functional Protein S that leave you vulnerable to the catastrophic clotting seen in purpura fulminans. Testing for Protein S deficiency is essential for confirming the underlying cause, guiding emergency treatment decisions, and preventing future episodes through appropriate anticoagulation therapy.

Question 4

When should I get tested for purpura fulminans?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience sudden dark purple patches on your skin that feel painful or numb, unexplained bruising that rapidly spreads, or if you have a family history of unusual clotting disorders or early death from blood clots. Testing is also critical if you develop skin necrosis during a severe infection, after trauma, or following pregnancy. Because purpura fulminans is a life-threatening emergency, immediate medical attention and testing are essential if you notice rapidly spreading skin discoloration accompanied by fever or signs of shock.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of purpura fulminans?

Accepted Answer

Purpura fulminans causes sudden appearance of dark purple to black patches on the skin that rapidly expand and evolve into areas of dead tissue. You might notice these patches are painful, accompanied by fever, low blood pressure, and signs of shock like rapid heartbeat and confusion. The skin lesions typically appear symmetrically on the limbs and can spread within hours, often accompanied by bleeding from multiple sites due to the widespread clotting that depletes your blood's clotting factors.

Question 6

Who is at risk for purpura fulminans?

Accepted Answer

Newborns and infants with inherited Protein S or Protein C deficiency are at highest risk, often developing symptoms within the first days or weeks of life. People with severe bacterial infections like meningococcemia or streptococcal sepsis can develop acute purpura fulminans regardless of their baseline protein levels. Those with a family history of blood clotting disorders, individuals recovering from certain viral infections like chickenpox, and people who have experienced unexplained blood clots in the past should be aware of their increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if purpura fulminans is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated purpura fulminans rapidly progresses to massive tissue death requiring amputation of affected limbs, organ failure from widespread clotting, and death in up to 50% of cases. The blocked blood vessels cause gangrene that spreads within hours, destroying skin, muscle, and underlying tissue beyond surgical repair. Survivors who do not receive prompt treatment often face permanent disability from limb loss, scarring, and chronic organ damage from the systemic clotting that affects kidneys, lungs, and brain.

Question 8

Can purpura fulminans be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Purpura fulminans is initially diagnosed by its dramatic clinical appearance, but blood tests are essential for confirming the underlying cause and guiding treatment. The Protein S Antigen, Free test identifies congenital deficiency that predisposes you to this condition, while additional coagulation studies show the characteristic pattern of disseminated intravascular coagulation with depleted clotting factors and elevated clotting byproducts. Blood cultures and infection markers help identify if a bacterial infection triggered the acute episode.

Question 9

How is purpura fulminans treated?

Accepted Answer

Purpura fulminans requires emergency hospitalization with immediate administration of anticoagulants like heparin to stop the widespread clotting, along with replacement of deficient proteins through fresh frozen plasma or concentrated Protein C infusions. Doctors treat any underlying infection with aggressive antibiotics and provide intensive supportive care including blood pressure support, fluid resuscitation, and mechanical ventilation if needed. Surgical debridement or amputation may be necessary to remove dead tissue, and long-term anticoagulation therapy is essential for people with congenital protein deficiencies to prevent recurrence.

Question 10

How can I prevent purpura fulminans?

Accepted Answer

If you have a known Protein S or Protein C deficiency, preventive anticoagulation therapy with medications like warfarin significantly reduces your risk of developing purpura fulminans. Prompt treatment of bacterial infections with appropriate antibiotics prevents the infection-triggered form of this condition. Genetic counseling and testing for family members of affected individuals identifies at-risk relatives who can benefit from preventive monitoring and treatment, while ensuring proper vaccination against meningococcal bacteria provides additional protection against one of the common infectious triggers.

Question 11

What can I do at home for purpura fulminans?

Accepted Answer

Purpura fulminans is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate hospital care and cannot be managed at home. If you suspect purpura fulminans based on rapidly spreading dark skin patches, call 911 immediately rather than attempting any home treatment. After recovery and hospital discharge, carefully follow your doctor's instructions for anticoagulation medication, attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your protein levels, and seek immediate medical attention for any signs of infection or new skin changes to prevent future episodes.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Purpura Fulminans Blood Test

What is Purpura Fulminans?

What causes purpura fulminans?

What is the best test for purpura fulminans?

When should I get tested for purpura fulminans?

References

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