Phospholipid Antibody IgG+IgM
What is this test?
This blood test checks for antiphospholipid antibodies. These may be found in people with abnormal blood clots or autoimmune diseases.
Your immune system usually creates antibodies in response to an infection or foreign invaders like bacteria. Antiphospholipid antibodies are usually made when your immune system mistakes part of your own body for a harmful substance. In this case, the antibodies seem to be reacting to phospholipids. Phospholipids are a normal part of your blood vessels.
People who have abnormal blood clots, repeated miscarriages, or autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis often have antiphospholipid antibodies. People with cancer may also have these antibodies. The antibodies often fade away when the cancer is treated.
The 2 most common types of antiphospholipid antibodies are lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. Testing for lupus anticoagulant often uses a test, such as the Russell viper venom time (RVVT) or kaolin clotting time. RVVT measures how long it takes a type of viper venom to trigger a blood clot. Kaolin clotting time is used to diagnose clotting disorders and find the lupus anticoagulant. Measuring anticardiolipin antibodies is done by looking for antibodies against the cardiolipin molecule.
Why do I need this test?
You may need this test if you:
- Have repeated miscarriages
- Get abnormal blood clots that could lead to heart attack or stroke
- Have antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. This is a group of symptoms that includes miscarriages, a platelet deficiency, and abnormal blood clots.
- Have SLE or cancer
- Have an unexpectedly prolonged and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
