Anticardiolipin Antibody
Test Description
Cardiolipin antibodies are the most common form of antiphospholipid antibodies. The
antibodies play an important role in the blood clotting process. When autoantibodies
(anticardiolipin antibodies, or ACA) are formed against cardiolipins, the patient has
an increased risk of developing recurrent thrombosis. There are three types of cardiolipin
antibodies: IgG, IgM, and IgA. ACA testing is used to determine the cause
of thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and recurrent fetal loss, and in the evaluation of
patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Normal Values
IgG Cardiolipin Antibody
Negative: <10 GPL
Equivocal: 10–40 GPL
High Positive: >40 GPL
IgM Cardiolipin Antibody
Negative: <12 MPL
Equivocal: 12–40 MPL
High Positive: >40 MPL
IgA Cardiolipin Antibody
Negative: <12 APL
Equivocal: 12–40 APL
High Positive: >40 APL
Possible Meanings of Abnormal Values
Increased
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sjögren’s syndrome
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Contributing Factors to Abnormal Values
• Current or past infection with syphilis may cause a false-positive ACA result.
• Drugs that may cause a positiveACA: anticonvulsants, antibiotics, hydralazine, oral
contraceptives, phenothiazines, procainamide.
Interventions/Implications
Pretest
• Explain to the patient the purpose of the test and the need for a blood sample to be drawn.
• No fasting is required before the test.
Procedure
• A 7-mL blood sample is drawn in a gold-top (serum separator) collection tube.
• Gloves are worn throughout the procedure.
Post test
• Apply pressure at venipuncture site. Apply dressing, periodically assessing for continued
bleeding.
• Label the specimen and transport it to the laboratory.
• Report abnormal findings to the primary care provider.
Clinical Alert
• Patients with positive ACA should discuss the use of low-dose aspirin with their
primary care provider.
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