Cardiolipin Antibody Titers (IgG and IgM)
This test measures the presence of antibodies against cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in cell membranes, often used to help diagnose conditions like lupus or other autoimmune disorders.
["Assists in identifying potential autoimmune or inflammatory conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20484-2
- Short code
- ACLIGG
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgG Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 80 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for quantitative IgG anti-cardiolipin antibody titer determination
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 426396005
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. 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 joint pain, fatigue, or unexplained blood clots, or if you have a history of autoimmune diseases such as lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A blood sample is typically drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re on blood thinners, inform your provider before the test.
What the Results Mean
Positive results (high antibody levels) may suggest an autoimmune condition, but they don’t confirm a diagnosis alone. Results are usually interpreted alongside other tests and clinical findings.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
Elevated cardiolipin antibodies are often associated with autoimmune disorders like lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, or other connective tissue diseases. They may also appear in people with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Reference range
Negative: <10 GPL U/mL; Indeterminate: 10-14 GPL U/mL; Low-Positive: 15-39 GPL U/mL; Moderate-Positive: 40-79 GPL U/mL; High-Positive: ≥80 GPL U/mL. Values vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any current medications, particularly anticoagulants or immunosuppressants.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Role in Diagnosis and Monitoring
Short name
Cardiolipin Antibodies
Frequently asked questions
What Does This Test Measure?
How Often Is This Test Used?
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
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