Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM
About Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM
This test measures the level of IgG and IgM 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, IgG and IgM test is recommended to diagnose abnormal blood clots, autoimmune diseases, such as Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Multiple Sclerosis.
This test is also known as
APA, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies
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.
Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)
Blood clots in veins and arteries
High blood pressure
Stroke
Heart attack
Rash
Platelet deficiency
Why is an Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG& IgM test done?
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 IgG and IgM test. Make sure your doctor is aware about what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking. Ask your doctor about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions carefully
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are Units per millilitre (U/mL).
|
Value of IgG & IgM antibodies |
Interpretation |
Remarks |
|
<12 |
Negative |
No IgG & IgM antibodies detected |
|
12.00-18.00 |
Equivocal |
Retesting advised |
|
>18 |
Positive |
IgG & IgM antibodies detected |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
· Low to moderate level of IgG and IgM antibodies may imply that the antibodies present are caused due to a viral infection or certain medications.
Higher levels of IgG and 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, IgG & 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, IgG & 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, IgG & IgM test?
Test result of an Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies, IgG and IgM test is usually available within 6 working days after sample collection. However, it could take longer at times
Should I be worried if my Anti-phospholipid antibodies, IgG & IgM test result is abnormal?
If you get an abnormal anti-phospholipid antibody, IgG and IgM test result, your health care provider will look at your health history, symptoms and other factors to diagnose you and may order further tests to determine the cause of your abnormality. Even if you get a positive test result, you may not require treatment. However, if you are diagnosed with anti-phospholipid syndrome, your health care provider may suggest treatment with warfarin, an anticoagulant medication.
Is it possible to inherit Anti-phospholipid Syndrome?
Anti-phospholipid syndrome is a rare condition that affects only a small percentage of people who do not have a family history of it. This condition does not appear to have a clear pattern of inheritance. However, an individual may be at a higher risk of developing anti-phospholipid syndrome if a family member has the condition
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