Cardiolipin Antibody Test (IgG)
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 evaluate potential autoimmune or inflammatory processes in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8065-5
- Short code
- ACLIIGG
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgG SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top tube for serum; or plasma separator tube (PST) with lithium heparin or EDTA for plasma
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 40 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA); or Fluoroenzyme immunoassay (FEIA) for IgG anti-cardiolipin antibody detection
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 4446-3
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2–8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained joint pain, chest discomfort, or signs of blood clots. It may also be used to investigate conditions such as lupus or other autoimmune diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from a vein in your arm. This is a standard blood draw and may cause a slight pinch or discomfort for a few seconds.
What the Results Mean
High levels of cardiolipin antibodies can suggest an autoimmune response. However, results alone don’t diagnose a specific condition. They’re often used alongside other tests and clinical findings to guide further evaluation.
Common Conditions Linked to This Test
Elevated results may be associated with autoimmune disorders like lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, or other inflammatory conditions. It’s not a definitive test for these conditions but can help identify potential risks.
Reference range
Negative: <10 GPL-U/mL; Indeterminate/Borderline: 10–14 GPL-U/mL; Positive: 15–40 GPL-U/mL; Strongly Positive: >40 GPL-U/mL. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer.N/A
No special patient preparation or fasting required. Patients should be advised that testing should be repeated after at least 12 weeks to confirm persistent positivity, per international consensus criteria.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgG Cardiolipin Antibody
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for me?
Will I need to take any special steps after the test?
How often will I need 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