Anticardiolipin Antibodies (ACA) Blood Test, Quantitative, IgG and IgM

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Anticardiolipin Antibodies (ACA) Blood Test, QN IgG and IgM, which detects and measures anticardiolipin antibodies to screen for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The immune system produces cardiolipin antibodies which mistakenly target the body’s cardiolipins, substances found in the cell membranes and platelets. Cardiolipin antibodies are the most common antiphospholipid antibody, a group of autoantibodies associated with excessive clotting and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. As a result, anticardiolipin antibodies increase a person’s risk of developing recurrent blood clots in the veins and arteries, with complications ranging from mild to life-threatening. ACAs are also associated with thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) and pregnancy-related conditions such as preeclampsia, premature labor, and recurrent miscarriages.

This ACA Blood Test, QN IgG and IgM may help determine the cause of the following:

• Unexplained blood clots
• Recurrent miscarriages
• A prolonged result on the coagulation (clotting test) PTT (partial thromboplastin time)

What do positive ACA results indicate?

The detection of anticardiolipin antibodies does not necessarily suggest APS. Individuals with HIV, certain types of cancer and infections, older individuals, and individuals on drugs such as phenothiazines and procainamide may test positive for low levels of these antibodies. Even some healthy individuals may also test positive for anticardiolipin antibodies. Given the impermanent nature of antibodies in some of these conditions, positive individuals should be retested six to eight weeks after the initial test. A diagnosis of APS can be made only on repeated positive test results.

When should I order an Anticardiolipin Antibodies (ACA) Blood Test, Quantitative, IgG and IgM?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to APS. Common signs or symptoms of APS include the following:

• Blood clotting
• Balance and mobility problems.
• Double vision
• Speech problems
• Memory loss
• Tingling sensation in arms or legs
• Fatigue
• Headaches or migraines