Cardiolipin Antibody (IgG) - Total
This test measures the presence of antibodies against cardiolipin, a lipid found in cell membranes. These antibodies may be linked to certain autoimmune conditions.
["This test helps assess for autoimmune disorders like lupus or other connective tissue diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110047-8
- Short code
- ACLIGM
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgM Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA); or Fluoroenzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 445378003
- 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; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
Cardiolipin antibodies are proteins your immune system produces in response to cardiolipin, a fatty substance found in cell membranes. This test detects their presence in your blood, which can indicate an autoimmune reaction.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or other signs of autoimmune diseases, or if you’ve been diagnosed with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other connective tissue disorders.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result suggests your immune system may be attacking cardiolipin, which can be associated with autoimmune conditions. However, it doesn’t confirm a specific diagnosis alone—additional tests and clinical evaluation are needed.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to other blood tests. Wear loose clothing to make access easier.
Reference range
Negative: <10 MPL U/mL; Equivocal: 10-40 MPL U/mL; Positive: >40 MPL U/mL (values vary by assay manufacturer)N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Avoid hemolyzed, lipemic, or contaminated specimens. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should be noted.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgG Cardiolipin Antibodies
Frequently asked questions
Cardiolipin antibodies are often linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. They may also appear in conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome, which can affect blood clotting.
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab. The test uses an immunoassay method to detect cardiolipin antibodies in your serum.
What are common symptoms linked to 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