Cardiolipin Antibody (IgG) - Quantitative
This test measures the amount of antibodies your body produces against cardiolipin, a fatty substance found in cell membranes. These antibodies may be linked to certain autoimmune conditions.
["This test helps assess potential autoimmune activity, including conditions like lupus or other connective tissue disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20485-9
- Short code
- CARDIOM
- Synonyms
- Cardiolipin IgM Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST), red-top tube, or gold-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86147
- SNOMED
- 39517006
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, or unexplained rashes, or if you have a history of autoimmune diseases. It may also be used to monitor conditions like lupus or other connective tissue disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on blood thinners, inform your provider beforehand.
What the Test Measures
The test detects the presence of IgG antibodies against cardiolipin, a lipid found in cell membranes. Elevated levels may indicate an autoimmune response, though they can also occur without a clear cause.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used to help diagnose or monitor conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for unexplained symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune process.
Reference range
Negative: <10 MPL units; Indeterminate: 10-15 MPL units; Positive: >15 MPL units. Results reported as titer.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should be well-hydrated prior to venipuncture.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cardiolipin antibodies are sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases, particularly those affecting connective tissues. While positive results may raise suspicion for conditions like lupus, they are not definitive on their own. They are often used alongside other tests and clinical findings to guide diagnosis and management.
Short name
IgG Cardiolipin Antibody
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be affected by medications?
How often should this test be repeated?
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