Cardiolipin antibodies – serum

Last updated: Monday, 29, May, 2006

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Item Process
Specimen

5 mL blood in plain tube.

Method

EIA.

Reference Interval

May differ between laboratories.

Application

Investigation of patients with clinical features suggestive of the phospholipid antibody syndrome (especially recurrent unexplained venous or arterial thrombosis, fetal loss, thrombocytopenia) alone or in association with SLE or other connective tissue disorder.

Interpretation

Moderate to high levels of IgG cardiolipin antibody are seen in the phospholipid antibody syndrome, but the antibody may also be detected in SLE, other autoimmune disorders, some infections (eg, syphilis) and with some drugs.

IgM antibodies may also be occasionally associated with thrombosis.


Cardiolipin antibodies are associated with the lupus inhibitor, beta-2-glycoprotein1 antibodies, and with false positive syphilis serology.

Levels may fluctuate spontaneously with time. A positive result in the absense of clinical history has limited signifcance.

See also Lupus inhibitor - plasma.

Reference

Levine JS et al. N Engl J Med 2002; 346(10): 752-763.