Abstract :
Screening populations for the presence of factor V Leiden to prevent deaths from blood clots may not be cost effective. The presence of factor V Leiden in blood indicates resistance to the anticoagulant properties of activated protein C, a condition which can lead to easily formed blood clots especially during pregnancy or when taking oral contraceptives. Researchers estimated the cost effectiveness of screening three hypothetical populations. A population with a 2% rate of factor V Leiden would have a false-positive rate of 56% and screening would cost $44,180,000 to prevent one death from blood clots.