Test/Profile Name
Anti Cardiolipin IgM AntibodyTest/Profile Code
T001893Clinical Usefullness
Anti-cardiolipin antibodies are by definition a major criterion for a diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). In both patients with primary and SLE associated APS positive results correlate with a predisposition for arterial or venous thrombosis, foetal loss, or thrombocytopoenia. However, levels of anti-cardiolipin antibodies do not correlate well with disease activity. Nevertheless, the presence of these autoantibodies serves as a marker for the risk of a thromboembolic event. Anti-cardiolipin antibodies are associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion and with thrombotic events in mothers shortly after birth. They are also found in up to 20% of young stroke patients.Anti-phospholipid antibodies are also found in infections including syphilis, malaria, parasitic diseases and infectious mononucleosis. Indeed,anticardiolipin antibodies can be transiently elevated in many infections. For this reason , positive results should always be confirmed after 8 -12 weeks. Anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody with or without Anti-cardiolipin IgG in medium or high titre on 2 or more occassions at least 12 weeks apart forms part of the diagnostic criteria for Antiphospholipid syndrome by international consensus.
Specimen Type and Minimal Volume
Variable Please confirm with the laboratory prior to testing.Include Test
N/A