Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around time: 3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of blood clotting disorders before symptoms appear
- Comprehensive screening measures three antibody types (IgA, IgG, IgM)
- No physician referral needed - order directly online
- Fast results delivered securely within 3-5 business days
- High accuracy with 95-99% specificity for diagnosis
- Affordable alternative to traditional lab testing routes
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with unexplained blood clots or stroke history
- Women experiencing recurrent miscarriages or pregnancy complications
- People with family history of autoimmune conditions
- Those with prolonged blood clotting times on routine tests
- Individuals seeking proactive cardiovascular health screening
- Patients with symptoms suggesting autoimmune disorders
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment or physician referral needed
- Visit lab - Simple blood draw at any convenient location
- Get results - Secure online delivery within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test detect? Autoantibodies against cardiolipin that increase risk of blood clots, strokes, and pregnancy complications.
Do I need to fast before testing? No fasting required - you can eat and drink normally before your blood draw.
How accurate is this test? The test shows high specificity (95-99%) with moderate sensitivity (52-54%) for antiphospholipid syndrome diagnosis.
What if my results are positive? Positive results require confirmation testing after 12 weeks and consultation with your healthcare provider.
Can I take this test if I'm on blood thinners? Yes, but inform your healthcare provider about all medications, especially anticoagulants.
How long are results valid? Results remain stable and interpretable for clinical use when properly stored and processed.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects autoantibodies against cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in cell membranes and platelets. These antibodies are associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which significantly increases your risk of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and recurrent pregnancy loss (Cleveland Clinic 2025). The test measures three immunoglobulin types (IgA, IgG, IgM) using precise ELISA methodology to provide comprehensive autoimmune screening.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals with unexplained thrombotic events, recurrent miscarriages, or symptoms suggesting autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus. It's essential for people with family history of autoimmune disorders or those experiencing prolonged clotting times on routine blood work (Mayo Clinic 2020). Healthcare-conscious consumers seeking proactive screening also benefit from early detection capabilities.
When should I order Cardiolipin Antibodies Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test when experiencing unexplained blood clots, recurrent pregnancy loss, or symptoms of autoimmune conditions. It's also recommended if you have family history of APS or related disorders (ARUP Laboratories 2024). Early screening is particularly important since APS affects approximately 1 in 2,000 people, with many cases going undiagnosed.
How do I interpret the results?
IgG (Immunoglobulin G)
- Normal Range: Less than 15 GPL units
- Positive Result: Greater than 40 GPL units
- Clinical Significance: Strongest association with thrombotic events
IgM (Immunoglobulin M)
- Normal Range: Less than 12.5 MPL units
- Positive Result: Greater than 40 MPL units
- Clinical Significance: Associated with acute phase reactions
IgA (Immunoglobulin A)
- Normal Range: Less than 11 APL units
- Positive Result: Greater than 40 APL units
- Clinical Significance: Additional diagnostic confirmation
Positive results require confirmation testing after 12 weeks to establish persistent antibody presence for APS diagnosis.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw. Stay well-hydrated to facilitate blood collection, and inform your healthcare provider about all medications, especially anticoagulants. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before testing, as this may affect results.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial positive result
- Suggested interval: Retest after 12 weeks for confirmation
- Known APS (Antiphospholipid Syndrome) monitoring
- Suggested interval: Every 6–12 months or as directed
- High-risk screening
- Suggested interval: Annually or before major surgery
- Pregnancy planning
- Suggested interval: Before conception if history suggests
Why early detection matters
APS patients have 50-80% higher mortality than the general population, with significantly increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and venous thrombosis (BMJ Open 2024). The "1 in 6 rule" applies: one in six young strokes, DVTs, heart attacks, and recurrent miscarriages are associated with APS. Early detection enables preventive anticoagulation therapy, dramatically reducing these life-threatening complications.
Related tests you may consider
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test - evaluates blood cell types and levels to help diagnose health conditions and track treatment response.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Direct Blood Test, Qualitative -helps diagnose an autoimmune disease by detecting antibodies to nuclear antigens
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Comprehensive Blood Test Panel - detects antinuclear antibodies in the blood to screen for autoimmune disorders.
