Method for detecting disturbances of the protein c/protein s system

A method for the qualitative detection and quantitative determination of the functional activity of the protein C/protein S system of clotting in a sample of a plasma, comprising the steps of:

• (a) adding an activator of protein C to the diluted or undiluted sample, wherein the sample is not mixed with a second plasma deficient in PC or PS;
• (b) optionally adding a contact phase activator;
• (c) incubating the reaction mixture;
• (d) starting the clotting process by adding calcium ions or other agents that induce clotting, or both;
• and
• (e) determining the clotting activity.