CARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES - serum

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Specimen: 5 mL blood in plain tube.

Method: EIA.

Reference Interval: Consult pathologist.

Application: Investigation of patients with clinical features suggestive of the phospholipid antibody syndrome (esp recurrent unexplained venous or arterial thrombosis, fetal loss, thrombocytopenia) alone or in association with SLE or other connective tissue disorder.Measurement of cardiolipin antibodies is a more sensitive test for detecting phospholipid antibody syndrome than measurement of antibodies against beta-2-glycoprotein antibodies alone.

Interpretation: High levels of IgG cardiolipin antibody are seen in the phospholipid antibody syndrome, but the antibody may also be detected in SLE, other autoimmune disorders, some infections (eg syphilis) and with some drugs. Cardiolipin antibodies are associated with the lupus inhibitor and with false positive syphilis serology. Levels may fluctuate spontaneously with time. May occur in otherwise normal individuals. See also LUPUS INHIBITOR .

Reference: McNeill HP and Krilis SA. Aust NZ J Med 1991; 21: 463-475.

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