Cardiolipin antibodies
| Category | Immunology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies are directed against cardiolipin, a phosphorylated polysaccharide ester of fatty acids found in cell membranes. They are associated with immune-mediated illnesses such as antiphospholipid syndrome, vasculitis, Behçet’s syndrome, idiopathic spontaneous abortion and SLE. They are thought to be associated with a hypercoagulable state. Cardiolipin antibodies can often be observed during the convalescent phase of acute bacterial and viral infections, and in individuals with syphilis. These infection-induced antibodies are usually transient and are not associated with an increased risk of clinical complications. In general, all patients who test positive should be retested after 12 weeks to rule out transient antibodies that are usually of no clinical significance. |
| Clinical Indications |
Assessment and diagnosis of: vascular thrombosis and/or recurrent fetal loss thrombocytopenia heart valve disease nephropathy and neurological disease. |
| Reference range | < 20 GPL/mL and < 20 MPL U/mL |
| Sample & container required | RST (rust top) |
| Sample volume | 5-10 mL (1 mL serum) |
| Turnaround time | 7 days |
| Notes | This test is currently unaccredited due to a recent change in platform/assay. |