Cardiolipin Antibody, IgG (Serum)
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 assess potential autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, including lupus or other connective tissue disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3182-3
- Short code
- CARDIGM
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgM Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube with clot activator
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or chemiluminescent immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 444-90009
- Specimen volume
- 1 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, unexplained blood clots, or signs of autoimmune disease. It may also be used to monitor conditions like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You may feel slight discomfort, but it usually takes only a few minutes.
What the Results Mean
High levels of cardiolipin antibodies may indicate an autoimmune response. However, results alone don’t diagnose a condition; they’re often used alongside other tests and symptoms.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
Positive results can be associated with autoimmune diseases like lupus, antiphospholipid syndrome, or other connective tissue disorders. They may also appear in people with no symptoms.
Reference range
Negative: <10 MPL units; Equivocal: 10-40 MPL units; Positive: >40 MPL units (values vary by assay manufacturer)N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be well-hydrated. Specimen should be collected before initiating anticoagulant therapy when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cardiolipin antibodies are often checked in patients with suspected autoimmune disorders, especially those with blood clotting issues or recurrent miscarriages. Elevated levels can signal an immune system overactivity, but further evaluation with other tests is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Short name
IgG Anti-Cardiolipin Antibody
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be used to diagnose lupus?
Are there any side effects from this blood 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