Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test
About Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Anticardiolipin Antibodies (ACA) IgG/IgM, aPL Antibodies Test, APLA Test, Phospholipid Antibodies Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 to 4 working days |
| Recommended For | Adults of all genders, particularly women with recurrent pregnancy loss |
| Price | Starting at ₹900 |
What Is an Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test?
The Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM test is a blood test that detects autoantibodies (immune proteins that mistakenly target the body's own tissues) directed against phospholipids, which are fat molecules found in cell membranes. It is commonly prescribed when a doctor suspects antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or wants to investigate unexplained blood clots or recurrent pregnancy loss. Also known as the ACA (Anticardiolipin Antibodies) IgG/IgM test or APLA test, it requires a simple blood sample drawn from a vein.
What Does an Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test Measure?
This test measures two specific types of anticardiolipin antibodies in the blood. Here is what each one indicates:
| Antibody | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Anticardiolipin IgG | The antibody type most associated with clinical complications; reflects a chronic or long-term immune response |
| Anticardiolipin IgM | Associated with a more recent immune activation; also linked to autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, a condition where the immune system destroys red blood cells |
Why Is an Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test Done?
Doctors order this test for a range of reasons, from investigating unexplained symptoms to confirming a suspected autoimmune condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Unexplained blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Recurrent miscarriages with no identified cause
- Unexplained stroke, particularly in younger patients
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), meaning fewer clot-forming cells in the blood than normal
- Livedo reticularis, a lacy purple or bluish pattern on the skin
- Prolonged clotting time on related blood tests
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying several conditions, including:
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disorder characterised by blood clots and pregnancy complications
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease; approximately 30 to 40% of SLE patients carry antiphospholipid antibodies
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots forming in deep leg veins
- Pulmonary embolism, blood clots in the lungs
- Stroke in young patients with no other obvious risk factors
Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test During Pregnancy
This test is routinely ordered for women who have experienced unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Around 10 to 15% of women with recurrent miscarriage are diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. Beyond miscarriage and foetal death, APS during pregnancy can also be linked to pre-eclampsia, placental insufficiency, and restricted foetal growth.
Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
In patients already diagnosed with APS or SLE, antibody levels can rise and fall over time. Periodic repeat testing helps doctors monitor disease activity, assess the ongoing risk of blood clots, and guide treatment decisions accordingly.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few simple steps will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as normal before this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, especially anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs)
- Ask your doctor about any other specific pre-test instructions related to your medicines.
- Try to avoid scheduling the test during an active infection, as this can temporarily affect results.
- Drink enough water beforehand to stay well hydrated, as this makes the blood draw easier.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process for the APLA test is quick and straightforward:
- A healthcare professional places a tourniquet (an elastic band) around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- The puncture site, usually the inner elbow, is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein to draw a blood sample.
- The blood is collected into a specialised tube designed to separate the serum (the liquid component of blood).
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the site.
- The labelled sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is tested using ELISA (a method that detects specific antibodies in the blood).
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- Active infections or other inflammatory conditions can temporarily raise antibody levels.
- Some medications, including phenytoin and penicillin, may produce misleading results.
- Improper sample handling or storage can affect test quality.
- Different laboratory testing methods may produce varying results for the same sample.
Understanding Your Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed alongside your clinical history and other findings. Below are the general reference ranges used to interpret the Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM test:
| Parameter | Result Category | Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticardiolipin IgG | Negative | Less than 10 | GPL U/mL |
| Anticardiolipin IgG | Weak Positive | 10 to 40 | GPL U/mL |
| Anticardiolipin IgG | Positive | Greater than 40 | GPL U/mL |
| Anticardiolipin IgM | Negative | Less than 10 | MPL U/mL |
| Anticardiolipin IgM | Weak Positive | 10 to 40 | MPL U/mL |
| Anticardiolipin IgM | Positive | Greater than 40 | MPL U/mL |
For a confirmed APS diagnosis, moderate to high levels (above 40 GPL or MPL units) must be found on two or more separate occasions, at least 12 weeks apart.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can affect how results are interpreted. Temporary elevations in anticardiolipin antibodies may occur in people with active infections, HIV, or certain cancers, and in those taking specific medications. A positive result in these situations does not necessarily indicate APS; repeat testing is needed to confirm persistent antibody presence.
It is also worth noting that some laboratory assays cannot fully distinguish between APS-specific autoantibodies and antibodies produced in response to infectious agents, including those seen in syphilis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness steps support overall immune and cardiovascular health:
- Follow a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Stay physically active with regular, moderate exercise.
- Work with your doctor to manage any underlying autoimmune conditions, as antibody levels can change over time.
Lupin Diagnostics Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test Price and Home Collection
The Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM test price starts at approximately ₹900, with home sample collection available across cities. The table below shows indicative city-wise prices.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1,450 |
| Hyderabad | ₹900 |
| Bangalore | ₹900 |
| Chennai | ₹900 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,450 |
| Pune | ₹900 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Home sample collection for the ACA (Anticardiolipin Antibodies) IgG/IgM test is available across cities, with samples collected by trained phlebotomists at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure reliable results. Your digital report is delivered directly via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This blood test detects antibodies that target phospholipids, helping doctors diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and assess the risk of blood clots and pregnancy complications. It is often ordered alongside other tests when investigating unexplained clotting events or recurrent miscarriages.
No fasting is required for the APLA test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test.
A single positive result is not enough to confirm APS. For a definitive diagnosis, antibodies must be detected on at least two separate occasions, at least 12 weeks apart. This helps confirm that the antibodies are persistent rather than temporary, which is a key diagnostic requirement.
Yes, they can. Anticardiolipin antibody levels can rise temporarily during infections and other inflammatory conditions. This is why repeat testing after 12 weeks is important, as it helps distinguish between a fleeting immune response and true antiphospholipid syndrome.
If you have experienced two or more unexplained miscarriages, doctors will likely recommend the Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM test. Both IgG and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies have been linked to an increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss, and identifying them early can help guide care in future pregnancies.
IgG anticardiolipin antibodies are most strongly associated with clinical complications such as blood clots and pregnancy problems, and they reflect a longer-term immune response. IgM antibodies suggest a more recent immune activation and are also associated with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, a condition where the immune system damages red blood cells.
Home collection is available in most locations served by Lupin Diagnostics. You can check availability for your area and book a convenient slot directly on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
Anti-Phospholipid Antibodies IgG & IgM Test
