Anti-Cardiolipin Antibody (IgG and IgM) - Serum
This test measures the presence of antibodies against cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in cell membranes. These antibodies may be linked to certain autoimmune conditions or blood clotting issues.
["This test helps assess potential autoimmune or clotting disorders, often used alongside other tests like lupus anticoagulant screening."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46125-1
- Short code
- CARDAB
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin Ab Ser Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay - ELISA or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay - CLIA)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 39513002
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 8 hours at room temperature (20-25°C); 2 weeks at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C); up to 6 months at frozen temperature (-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 two types of antibodies—IgG and IgM—that target cardiolipin. These antibodies can be part of a broader immune response in conditions such as lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, or other autoimmune diseases. The results are reported separately for each antibody type.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for autoimmune diseases, such as recurrent miscarriages, blood clots, or chronic joint pain. It’s also used to monitor certain conditions like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome.
How the Test Works
A small sample of your blood is drawn and sent to a lab. The lab uses an immunoassay method to detect the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin. Results are typically reported as positive or negative, or sometimes with relative levels if quantitated.
What the Results Mean
Positive results for cardiolipin antibodies may indicate an autoimmune response, though they don’t diagnose a specific condition alone. Elevated levels can sometimes be found in people with lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, or other autoimmune disorders. Always discuss results with your provider.
Reference range
Negative: <10 GPL/mL (IgG) or <10 MPL/mL (IgM); Indeterminate: 10-40 GPL/mL or MPL/mL; Positive: >40 GPL/mL or MPL/mL. Reference values vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Avoid hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric samples when possible. Information regarding current medications (especially anticoagulants or immunosuppressants) should be provided.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Anti-Cardiolipin Antibodies
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor want to check this test?
What does a positive result mean for my health?
Can I take anything special before 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