Cardiolipin Antibody, Serum (Qualitative) – Antiphospholipid Antibody Screen
This test checks for antibodies that may indicate an autoimmune condition linked to blood clotting issues, such as antiphospholipid syndrome.
["This screening helps identify potential risks for abnormal blood clots or pregnancy complications."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3180-7
- Short code
- ACL-AB
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin Ab Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 417691003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Stable for 8 hours at room temperature (15-25°C); 2 weeks at 2-8°C; 6 months at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects specific antibodies (cardiolipin antibodies) that can interfere with normal blood clotting processes. These antibodies are part of a broader group called antiphospholipid antibodies, which may be linked to autoimmune disorders.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, or other signs of autoimmune activity. It’s also used in patients with known autoimmune conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from your arm in a clinic or lab setting. Results may be qualitative (positive/negative) rather than a specific numeric value.
What the Results Mean
Positive results suggest the presence of these antibodies, which may raise concerns for conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found in this sample.
Reference range
Negative: <10 GPL units; Indeterminate: 10-40 GPL units; Positive: >40 GPL units (IgG cardiolipin antibodies). Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Inform clinician of any anticoagulant therapy or recent infection, as these may affect antibody titers.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Antiphospholipid Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Why might I need this test?
What does a positive result mean?
Can I get this test at home?
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