Lupus Anticoagulant (Without DRVTT) Test
Lupus Anticoagulant (Without DRVTT) Test
The Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) Test is a series of blood tests that checks for autoantibodies linked to clotting disorders and frequent miscarriages. They are called lupus anticoagulants (LA), which may develop in individuals who take medications such as oral contraceptives, hydralazine, or procainamide or have infections like EBV, syphilis, and hepatitis C. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may also develop these antibodies due to their autoimmune condition.
The Lupus Anticoagulant Test is mainly used to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes syndrome or lupus anticoagulant syndrome. It is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the phospholipids and proteins on the outer layer of red blood cells (RBCs), resulting in the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can block arteries and veins in various parts of the body, raising the chances of stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, and pregnancy complications.
An LA test might be requested if someone has a history of unexplained blood clots, prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT), or recurrent miscarriages.
What is the Lupus Anticoagulant Test Used For?
This test is done
To investigate the underlying causes of unexplained blood clots in individuals having signs and symptoms
To help diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
To determine the causes for recurrent miscarriages
To diagnose an excessive clotting disorder (thrombophilia)
To determine the factors that increase prolonged partial thrombin time (PTT)
Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Symptoms of APS appear based on where the clots are formed within the body. In general, they include
Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Headaches
Visual disturbances
Shortness of breath, chest pain, or heart attack
Pain and swelling in a leg or arm
Reddish-blue discoloration of the skin (livedo reticularis)
Skin rashes
Low levels of blood platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
Preeclampsia or miscarriage in pregnant women
Which tests are included in Lupus Anticoagulant?
This assay comprises two tests:
· Partial Thromboplastin Time-Lupus Anticoagulant (PTT-LA): It's a coagulation test that uses a specialized phospholipid reagent to measure the time taken for blood to clot. In the presence of LA, this clotting time can be prolonged beyond the upper limit of the reference range.
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): It's a basic coagulation test that can be prolonged in the presence of LA.
Preparation for Test
None is required. But let your doctor know if you are on anticoagulants, as they can alter the results.
Interpretation of Test Results
Determining the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) is challenging as the results may differ according to age, health, gender and the laboratory performing the tests.
Nevertheless, the results would be reported as either:
Positive result
This report suggests that a person's signs and symptoms are due to lupus anticoagulants. A repeat test is followed up 12 weeks later to confirm the APS diagnosis.
Negative result
This report suggests the absence of LA antibodies in the provided sample, implying that the patient's signs and symptoms are due to some other causes, such as a deficiency of coagulation factor(s).
FAQs
Who should get the Lupus Anticoagulant test done?
A doctor may order this test if someone has:
- Unexplained blood clots in a vein or artery
- Signs and symptoms of APS
- A blood test that shows that your blood takes a long time to clot that can't be explained
- History of repeated miscarriages
How is the lupus anticoagulant test performed?
The lupus anticoagulant test is a simple blood test wherein the lab technician will use a needle to draw your blood sample from a vein in your arm. There is a slight possibility that you might feel pain or some discomfort at the site of needle insertion, but it will pass quickly.
What is the normal range of lupus anticoagulants in the blood?
The normal range of LA varies, but it typically falls between 20 to 39 grams per liter (GPL) or micropulse lidar (MPL) units of blood.
Can I take this test while pregnant?
Yes, taking this test during pregnancy is often recommended when there is a strong history of recurrent miscarriages.
Does the presence of lupus anticoagulants indicate Lupus?
No, the presence of lupus anticoagulants does not necessarily indicate lupus disorder, as these autoantibodies may also be present in various other conditions like infections and malignancies or may develop as a consequence of taking certain medications.
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