Cardiolipin Antobodies

Other names: Cardiolipin Antibodies, IgG, IgM, and IgA; Anticardiolipin Antibodies; aCL Antibody

Cardiolipin antibodies are proteins, which are released by the body’s immune system when it believes the body is under threat of infection or illness. Cardiolipin antibodies are the most abundant antiphospholipid antibodies. This test tests for three forms of cardiolipin antibodies, known as IgG, IgM and IgA. Cardiolipids help to control blood clotting.

Why is the test used?

The test is primarily used to diagnose the cause of problems relating to blood clotting but it is also used to help determine the cause of recurrent miscarriages. The test may also be used as part of a group of tests used for patients with antiphospholipid syndromes.

The test is usually ordered by doctors when they suspect a patient has symptoms of a thrombotic episode; symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath and inflammation, especially in the fingers and toes.

The test is also ordered for women who have had a number of miscarriages.

How is the test performed?

The test is done by analysing a sample of blood, which is collected from a vein in the arm; usually, blood is taken from a vein on the inside of the elbow. A needle is inserted into the vein and the blood is drawn out into a syringe. Once the sample has been collected it is bottled, sealed, labelled with the patient’s name and sent away to the laboratory for analysis.

What do the test results mean?

If the test result comes back negative, this means that the form of cardiolipin antibody (either IgG, IgM or IgA) tested for is not present.

A positive result indicates the presence of the specific antibody and may therefore indicate that a patient has a health condition; the test result will be considered alongside other test results and the patient’s symptoms and medical history in order to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Specific Blood Tests



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