Antibody to Cardiolipin (IgG) - Serum
This test measures the presence of antibodies against cardiolipin, a fatty substance found in cell membranes. These antibodies may be linked to certain autoimmune conditions.
["This test helps assess potential autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, including lupus or other connective tissue disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29860-4
- Short code
- CARDIOLIP
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 115341004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or lower): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Cardiolipin and Why Does It Matter?
Cardiolipin is a phospholipid naturally present in cell membranes, particularly in heart tissue. When the immune system mistakenly targets these molecules, it can produce antibodies called cardiolipin antibodies. These antibodies are sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome, though they can also appear in other conditions without a clear cause.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The serum portion is then tested for the presence of cardiolipin antibodies using an immunoassay method, which detects specific immune responses against the antigen.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of cardiolipin antibodies in your blood. While these antibodies can be linked to autoimmune conditions, they may also occur in people without symptoms. Further evaluation by your healthcare provider may include additional tests or clinical correlation to determine the cause.
Common Conditions Associated With Positive Results
Positive cardiolipin antibody results are most commonly associated with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid syndrome. They may also appear in other inflammatory or infectious conditions, though the exact significance depends on clinical context and additional findings.
Reference range
Negative (typically <10-15 GPL or MPL units; cutoff varies by laboratory and assay manufacturer)N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Inform clinician of any current medications, particularly anticoagulants or immunosuppressants.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms suggestive of autoimmune disease (e.g., joint pain, fatigue, rash) or if you have a history of blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, or other unexplained complications. It may also be used as part of a broader evaluation for suspected antiphospholipid syndrome or lupus.
Short name
Cardiolipin Antibody IgG
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What are the typical reference ranges for this test?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
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