Cardiolipin Antibody (Serum) – Qualitative or Quantitative Immunoassay
This test measures antibodies to cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in cell membranes, often used to evaluate for lupus anticoagulant or antiphospholipid syndrome.
["Helps diagnose rare blood clotting disorders linked to autoimmune conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3181-5
- Short code
- CARDIGG
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgG Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or chemiluminescent immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 11944004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms of blood clots, unexplained bleeding, or autoimmune conditions like lupus. It may also be used to confirm or monitor antiphospholipid syndrome, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessels, increasing clot risk.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample drawn from your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. Results are qualitative (positive/negative) or quantitative (measured concentration), depending on the test type.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results may indicate an elevated risk of blood clots or autoimmune activity. Negative results suggest no significant antibody presence, but further testing may still be needed if symptoms persist.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often part of a broader evaluation for conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or recurrent miscarriages. It helps assess whether antiphospholipid antibodies are contributing to your symptoms.
Reference range
Negative: <10 GPL units; Indeterminate: 10-40 GPL units; Positive: >40 GPL units (values may vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary for this test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Cardiolipin Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my health?
Can false positives or negatives occur?
How often should I get 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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy