ACL
Also known as Anti Cardiolipin Antibodies Agglutination Method BloodWhat is this test?
An anticardiolipin antibody test is used to search a certain kind of antibody in the blood. The antibodies that are formed in response to cardiolipins are immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM). Cardiolipin is a type of fat in the blood which is a phospholipid. This test is used to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, vascular thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, cerebral infarct, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjogren's syndrome, psoriatic arthritis.
What is Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)?
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks normal proteins in the blood. This characterizes recurrent blood clots in arteries, veins and other organs. This condition also leads to repeated miscarriages and stillbirth in pregnant women.
Why this test is performed?
This test may be recommended to you if you experience blood clots often or abnormal bleeding, if you had repeated miscarriages or some autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, etc. This helps in finding out the reason for frequent miscarriages.
Frequency:
6 weeks gap should be maintained while repeating the test.
Pathology test parameters:
- IgG
- IgA
- IgM
Also known as ACL Agglutination method Blood, Anti Cardiolipin Antibodies.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your ACL. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for ACL.
No specific preparation is required for the anticardiolipin antibody test.
Understanding your test results
The normal test results may vary depending on the gender, age, health history, your condition, etc.
If your anticardiolipin antibody test results are negative for cardiolipin antibodies then it is normal.
If your anticardiolipin antibody test results show positive it may indicate antiphospholipid syndrome where there will be frequent blood clotting and in miscarriages in pregnant women, systemic lupus erythematosus and rarely rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, primary Sjögren's syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, etc.
The positive test results without the clinical symptoms don’t support the diagnosis, it supports the diagnosis only if the symptoms are present. Although cardiolipin antibodies are related to systemic lupus erythematosus, a positive test does not always mean you have systemic lupus erythematosus other tests should be done to confirm the disease.
If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The antibodies are not normally present. Presence of IgG indicates remote infection |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The antibodies are not normally present. Presence of IgM indicates recent infection |