Cardiolipin Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM)

Description: A Cardiolipin Antibody test is a blood test used to detect antibodies to cardiolipin which may be causing a patient issues with forming blood clots.

Also Known As: Anticardiolipin Antibodies Test, aCL Antibody Test, Cardiolipin IgG Antibody Test, Cardiolipin IgA Antibody Test, Cardiolipin IgM Antibody Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Plasma

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Cardiolipin Antibodies test ordered?

Cardiolipin antibody testing is frequently requested as part of an excessive clotting workup when a person exhibits blood clot-related symptoms, especially when such symptoms reoccur. Depending on where the clot is, different signs and symptoms may be present.

As a follow-up to a protracted PTT test, testing may also be mandated when a woman has experienced repeated miscarriages and/or in conjunction with lupus anticoagulant testing. If a cardiolipin antibody is found, the test may be repeated several weeks later to see if it is a transient or persistent antibody.

When a person exhibits the signs and symptoms of an autoimmune condition and/or receives a positive ANA test result, a test for cardiolipin antibodies may also be prescribed since it may give the doctor further details to help make a diagnosis. If cardiolipin antibodies are not found in a patient with a known autoimmune disease like lupus, further testing may be required to check for the emergence of these antibodies.

What does a Cardiolipin Antibodies test check for?

The immune system creates cardiolipin antibodies, which are autoantibodies that wrongly target the body's own cardiolipins, which are located in the cell and platelet membranes. These autoantibodies may have an unidentified impact on the body's capacity to control blood coagulation. Cardiolipin antibodies are discovered with this test in the blood.

Cardiolipins and other phospholipids in their family are lipid molecules that are crucial to the blood clotting process. Cardiolipin antibodies work by attacking cardiolipins and are linked to a higher risk of repeated, unneeded blood clots in arteries and veins, such the deep veins of the legs or the lungs. They could also be linked to preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, recurrent miscarriages, low platelet counts, and low platelet counts.

The most prevalent antiphospholipid antibody is a class of autoantibodies called cardiolipins that are linked to excessive clotting and autoimmune conditions like lupus. They are usually found in conjunction with other antiphospholipid antibodies, including anti-beta-2 glycoprotein 1 and lupus anticoagulant. Additionally, they might be momentarily picked up in older people, those with HIV/AIDS, some malignancies, and acute infections.

An individual may be diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome if they have blood clots that aren't supposed to, have repeated miscarriages, have cardiolipin antibodies, or have another antiphospholipid antibody. A primary or secondary APS may be used. While secondary APS is linked to an autoimmune condition, primary APS is not always connected to a related autoimmune disorder.

Lab tests often ordered with a Cardiolipin Antibodies test:

Conditions where a Cardiolipin Antibodies test is recommended:

How does my health care provider use a Cardiolipin Antibodies test?

Cardiolipin antibody tests are routinely used to assist identify the underlying cause of:

If cardiolipin antibodies are discovered during an initial test, they are typically checked again 12 weeks later to see if their presence is permanent or transient. Cardiolipin antibodies may emerge at any moment in the future, therefore if a person with a known autoimmune condition tests negative for them, they may be retested in the future.

IgG, IgM, and/or IgA are the three kinds of cardiolipin antibodies that may be found in the blood. IgG and IgM are the two most often examined antibodies. IgA cardiolipin antibody testing may be required, nevertheless, if these tests come back negative and clinical suspicions persist.

Along with cardiolipin antibody tests, other tests including anti-beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibody and lupus anticoagulant testing may also be carried out.

What do my Cardiolipin Antibodies test results mean?

A negative result only indicates that there are no cardiolipin antibodies present or none that are present in the blood at the time of the test.

Of all the antiphospholipid antibodies, cardiolipin antibodies are the most widespread. It is common to find them in a person's blood temporarily as a result of an infection or medication, as well as in old people who don't have any symptoms. Even though the low to moderate levels of antibody present in these circumstances are frequently insignificant, they still need to be assessed along with any signs, symptoms, and/or other clinical data.

When tested again 12 weeks later, moderate to high levels of cardiolipin antibodies that were present the first time are likely still present. This particular antibody may be linked to an increased risk of excessive clotting or recurrent miscarriages.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.