Cardiolipin Antibody IgA Test
Cardiolipin antibodies (also known as anti-cardiolipin antibodies) are autoantibodies that mistakenly target the body’s cells and play a role in regulating blood clotting. These antibodies are associated with bleeding and clotting factors, autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and recurring miscarriages. Elevated levels of cardiolipin antibodies may indicate the presence of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
The cardiolipin antibody IgA test detects the presence of cardiolipin antibody (IgA) in the blood. This test helps in evaluating an inappropriate blood clot formation in the body. Depending on the organ affected by the blood clots, abnormal blood clotting can cause a variety of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung damage, and kidney failure.
Symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
High blood pressure
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Stroke
Heart attacks
Pulmonary embolism
Frequent miscarriages
Who should get a Cardiolipin antibody IgA test?
The cardiolipin antibody test is indicated for individuals if they have:
Any unexplained blood clots
Recurrent miscarriages
Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Preparation for the test
Cardiolipin antibody IgA test does not require any special preparations.
Interpretation of results
|
Result outcome |
Reference range |
|
Positive |
15 APL or greater |
|
Negative |
< 15 APL |
*APL- IgA phospholipid units
Cardiolipin antibody tests typically yield either positive or negative results.
- A negative test result indicates that your blood levels of cardiolipin antibodies are normal.
- A positive test indicates that you have higher than normal levels of cardiolipin antibodies, which may indicate an antiphospholipid syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus.
If you test positive for cardiolipin antibodies, you will most likely be retested to see if the antibodies remain in your blood for longer periods of time. A retest is usually recommended 12 weeks after the initial test.
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the cardiolipin antibody IgA test?
The results of the cardiolipin antibody test are usually available 3-5 days after the sample collection. However, it might take a little longer at times, depending upon the clinic.
Are there any risks associated with cardiolipin antibody IgA test?
A cardiolipin antibody IgA test is a simple blood test that involves taking a blood sample from a vein in the arm and getting it tested. Blood tests usually do not have any associated risks. A slight sting or bruise might be seen at the place of needle insertion which usually resolves within a few minutes.
I had a cardiolipin antibody IgA test, and the results were positive. Is this a sign that I will develop blood clots later on in life?
No, not necessarily. The presence of cardiolipin IgA antibodies in your blood indicate that you are at risk of developing blood clots or other complications. However, it cannot guarantee that you will develop blood clots or other complications in the near future. Even if you have blood clots, the cardiolipin antibody IgA test cannot always predict the frequency or severity of them.
What are the two types of antiphospholipid syndromes (APS)?
APS may be primary or secondary. While primary APS may not necessarily be associated with an autoimmune disorder, secondary APS is linked to an autoimmune disorder.
Can cardiolipin antibody IgA test be used to detect some other illness apart from APS and SLE?
Yes, occasionally cardiolipin antibody IgA test can be used to determine the cause of a positive venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL)/ rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test for syphilis.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics