Cardiolipin Antibody, Total (Serum or Plasma)
This test measures the presence of antibodies against cardiolipin, a naturally occurring lipid found in cell membranes. It is often used to help diagnose conditions like lupus anticoagulant or antiphospholipid syndrome.
["This test helps assess certain autoimmune-related blood clotting issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8062-2
- Short code
- CARDAB
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin Ab Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 80 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 313364005
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for conditions like lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid syndrome, or other autoimmune disorders that involve abnormal blood clotting. It may also be used to monitor these conditions over time.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and indicate whether your body has produced antibodies against cardiolipin. Elevated levels may suggest an autoimmune condition affecting blood clotting.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
Positive results can be associated with conditions like lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid syndrome, or other autoimmune disorders that may increase the risk of blood clots or pregnancy complications.
Reference range
Negative: <10 GPL-U/mL (IgG), <10 MPL-U/mL (IgM); Indeterminate: 10-40 GPL-U/mL or MPL-U/mL; Positive: >40 GPL-U/mL or MPL-U/mLN/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Specimen should be collected before initiation of anticoagulant therapy if possible, as heparin may interfere with phospholipid-dependent assays.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cardiolipin Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my health?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy