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-related disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24386-5
- Short code
- CARDIOM
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgM Ser Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 14
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) / Immunoassay
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 440501000124107
- 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
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for autoimmune diseases, such as joint pain, unexplained fatigue, or a history of blood clots. It may also be used to monitor conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample from a vein in your arm. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test to avoid unnecessary precautions.
What the Test Measures
The test detects IgG antibodies against cardiolipin, a protein-lipid complex. Elevated levels may indicate an immune response linked to conditions like lupus or APS, though they’re not definitive on their own.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to screen for or monitor autoimmune disorders, including antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other connective tissue diseases.
Reference range
Negative: <10 MPL units; Equivocal: 10-14 MPL units; Positive: >14 MPL units (or as reported by individual laboratory in IgM phospholipid units, MPL)N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results suggest a potential autoimmune response, but they don’t diagnose a specific condition. They’re typically used alongside other tests and clinical findings to guide treatment decisions. False positives can occur, so results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in context.
Short name
IgG Cardiolipin Antibody
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
Can This Test Be Used to Diagnose Lupus?
How Often Should This Test Be Retested?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy