Cardiolipin antibodies

Cardiolipin, and other related phospholipids, are lipid molecules normally found in the cell membranes and in platelets. They play an important role in the blood clotting process.

When antibodies are produced against cardiolipin they increase an affected patient’s risk of developing recurrent inappropriate blood clots in both arteries and veins. Cardiolipin antibodies are also associated with thrombocytopenia, recurrent miscarriages (especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimester), and with premature labour and preeclampsia.

Cardiolipin antibodies are frequently seen with autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and with other antiphospholipid antibodies, such as lupus anticoagulant. When patients experience thrombosis, recurrent miscarriages, thrombocytopenia, cardiolipin antibodies, and/or another antiphospholipid antibody, they may be diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS can be primary with no underlying autoimmune disease, or secondary, existing with a diagnosed autoimmune disorder.

Moderate to high levels of one or more of the classes of cardiolipin antibodies that persist when tested again 6 weeks later indicate the likely continued presence of that specific antibody.

 

Tests offered by ORGENTEC Diagnostika

ELISA/Alegria^®:

Anti-Cardiolipin IgG/IgM (ORG 515, ORG 215G, ORG 215M)
Anti-Cardiolipin IgA (ORG 515A, ORG 215A)
Anti-Cardiolipin Screen (ORG 515S, ORG 215S)
Anti-Phospholipid Screen (ORG 529, ORG 229)