Cardiolipin Antibody, Serum (Mass Concentration) – Autoimmune Assay
This test measures the presence of antibodies against cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in cell membranes. Cardiolipin antibodies are often linked to autoimmune conditions, including lupus and other connective tissue disorders.
["This test helps assess potential autoimmune activity in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43361-5
- Short code
- ACL IgA
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgA Ser-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 38379008
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or a history suggestive of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), antiphospholipid syndrome, or other connective tissue disorders. It may also be used to monitor certain conditions or evaluate unexplained symptoms like blood clots, skin rashes, or joint pain.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of cardiolipin antibodies in your blood. While this alone doesn’t confirm a specific diagnosis, it can support a clinical suspicion of autoimmune conditions. Further testing and evaluation by your doctor are needed to determine the next steps.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then processed and analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect cardiolipin antibodies. The test measures their concentration in your serum.
What Are Common Symptoms Linked to Cardiolipin Antibodies?
Symptoms associated with elevated cardiolipin antibodies may include recurrent blood clots, unexplained fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes (like butterfly rash on the face), or other autoimmune-related symptoms. However, many people with positive results have no symptoms at all.
Reference range
Negative: <10 U/mL; Borderline: 10-15 U/mL; Positive: >15 U/mL (values vary by assay manufacturer)N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary for this test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cardiolipin antibodies are often detected in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessels, leading to clotting. They may also appear in lupus or other autoimmune diseases. While not definitive, these antibodies can help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions, especially in cases involving unexplained clotting or pregnancy complications.
Short name
Cardiolipin Antibody (IgA)
Frequently asked questions
What Does It Mean If My Test Result Is Positive?
How Often Should I Get This Test Retested?
Can Lifestyle Changes Affect This Test Result?
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