Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM
About Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test
The Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test measures the IgM antiphospholipid antibodies. These antibodies may be present in individuals having 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. Antiphospholipid antibodies are produced when a part of your own body is mistaken for a foreign entity by your immune system. In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the body's immune system attacks its own red blood cells and high levels of IgM antibodies are produced.
Thus, getting an Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test is recommended to diagnose abnormal blood clots, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), etc
Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
Blood clots in veins and arteries
High blood pressure
Stroke
Heart attack
Rash
Platelet deficiency
Which tests are included?
Types of antiphospholipid antibodies measured during this test include:
Lupus anticoagulant (LAC):
-
Lupus anticoagulants attack phospholipids, which is a type of fat found in all living cells
Anticardiolipin antibody (ACL)
-
Anticardiolipin antibodies attack 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 autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Has an unexpectedly long and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test. 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 IgM antibody |
Interpretation |
Remarks |
|
<12 |
Negative |
No IgM antibody detected |
|
12.00-18.00 |
Equivocal |
Retesting advised |
|
>18 |
Positive |
IgM antibody detected |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
· Low to moderate level of IgM antibodies may imply that the antibodies present are caused due to a viral infection or certain medications.
· Higher levels of IgM antibodies may indicate a higher risk for blood clots. It may be caused due to autoimmune disorders such as antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, hemolytic anemia, etc.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM 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
What are the risks involved in an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM 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), IgM test?
Test result of an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test is usually available within 6 working days after sample collection. However, it could take longer at times
What are the limitations of an Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test?
Performing an Anti phospholipid antibody test along with a syphilis test may result in a false-positive Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test result. This is because phospholipids can be found in the substances (reagents) used during the testing procedure for syphilis. To verify the test result, a second test is recommended.
Antibody levels might increase with some medications like procainamide, phenytoin, quinidine, and penicillin. Results may also be impacted by recent viral infections, such as HIV
Should I be concerned if my Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM test result is abnormal?
If your Anti Phospholipid Antibodies (APA), IgM 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 you are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, your healthcare provider might recommend warfarin (an anti-coagulant medication)
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