Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG
Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG
The Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test measures the IgG Anti phospholipid antibodies. These antibodies may be present in those who have autoimmune diseases or abnormal blood clots.
Antibodies are typically produced by your immune system in response to an infection or foreign invaders such as bacteria. Anti phospholipid antibodies are produced when a part of your own body is mistaken for a foreign entity by your immune system. These antibodies target the phospholipids found in your blood vessels.
Thus, getting an Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test is recommended to diagnose abnormal blood clots, autoimmune diseases, such as Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
Blood clots in veins and arteries
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Rash
Platelet deficiency
Which tests are included?
Types of antiphospholipid antibodies measured during this test include:
Lupus anticoagulant (LAC):
-
Lupus anticoagulants attacks phospholipids, which is a type of fat found in all living cells.
Anticardiolipin antibody (ACL):
-
Anticardiolipin antibodies attacks cardiolipins (phospholipid) found in the platelets and in the outer layer of cells.
Anti beta 2 glycoprotein 1:
-
Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1) antibodies are commonly found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients
Who should get tested?
It is recommended to take this test if an individual:
Has repeated miscarriages
Has abnormal blood clots that could lead to heart attack or stroke
Has antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Has Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or cancer
Has an unexpectedly long and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test. A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes.
Ensure your doctor is aware about what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking. Ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are Units per millilitre (U/mL)
|
Value of IgG antibody |
Interpretation |
Remarks |
|
<12 |
Negative |
No IgG antibody detected |
|
12.00-18.00 |
Equivocal |
Retesting advised |
|
>18 |
Positive |
IgG antibody detected |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
· Low to moderate level of IgG antibodies may imply that the antibodies present are caused due to a viral infection or certain medications.
Higher levels of IgG antibodies may indicate a higher risk for blood clots. It may be caused due to autoimmune disorders such as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, SLE, etc.
FAQs
What are the risks involved in an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle went in. Rarely, the site can become infected.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the result of an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test?
Test result of an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test is usually available within 6 working days after the sample collection. However, it could take longer at times
Can antiphospholipid syndrome be inherited?
The majority of cases of antiphospholipid syndrome are sporadic, meaning they happen to people who have no family history of the condition. This condition does not appear to have a clear pattern of inheritance. However, an individual may be at a higher risk of developing antiphospholipid syndrome if a family member has the condition
Should I be concerned if my Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test result is abnormal?
If your Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgG test result is abnormal, your healthcare provider will consider your medical history, symptoms, and other factors to make a diagnosis and may order additional tests to determine the cause of your abnormal antibody levels.
Even if you have a positive test result, you may not require treatment. If are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, your healthcare provider might recommend warfarin (an anti-coagulant medication
What is the treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome?
The majority of APS patients must take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication every day for the rest of their lives. Low-dose aspirin tablets are typically recommended if blood tests reveal that you have abnormal antiphospholipid antibodies but no history of blood clots
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