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🧪 Cardiolipin Antibody (ACL) – IgA

Parameter	Details
Sample Type	Blood (Serum)
Fasting Required	🚫 Not required
Main Organ/System	Immune system, blood vessels (vascular system)
Test Purpose	Detects IgA-class autoantibodies against cardiolipin; helps diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or other autoimmune conditions

🔍 What is a Cardiolipin Antibody?

Cardiolipin antibodies are autoantibodies directed against cardiolipin, a phospholipid component of cell membranes, especially in platelets and blood vessel walls. They are associated with:

Blood clotting disorders
Recurrent miscarriages
Autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

The test detects IgA antibodies — less commonly tested than IgG or IgM, but important in some patients, particularly when:

IgG/IgM are negative
Clinical signs of APS or thrombosis persist

🧪 When is this test ordered?

Indication	Reason
✅ Unexplained blood clots	Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE)
✅ Recurrent pregnancy loss	Especially in 2nd or 3rd trimester
✅ Stroke or transient ischemic attacks	Especially in young individuals
✅ Suspected Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)	Particularly in autoimmune patients (e.g., lupus)
✅ Persistent prolonged APTT	Rule out lupus anticoagulant-related disorders

📉 Interpretation of Results

IgA Cardiolipin Antibody Level	Interpretation
Negative / Low	Normal; No significant autoantibodies
Moderately Elevated	Possible autoimmune activity – retest needed
High	Suggestive of APS – further confirmation needed

Note: A single positive result is not diagnostic. Repeat testing after 12 weeks is often required for APS diagnosis.

🧪 Other Tests Often Done Together

Test	Purpose
Cardiolipin IgG & IgM	Core antiphospholipid antibody detection
Beta-2 Glycoprotein 1 (IgG/IgM)	Key marker for APS diagnosis
Lupus Anticoagulant (LA)	Part of the APS criteria
ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)	Screen for systemic lupus erythematosus
APTT / PT / INR	Assess clotting status
Antithrombin III / Protein C/S	Assess clotting regulatory factors

⚠️ Conditions Where ACL-IgA May Be Elevated

Condition	Explanation
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)	Primary or secondary (with lupus)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus	Often associated with ACL positivity
Recurrent thromboembolism	May involve elevated IgA antibodies
Recurrent miscarriages	Due to microthrombi in placental vessels
Infections (occasionally)	Temporary mild rise (e.g., syphilis, TB)

📋 Summary Table

Test Name	Cardiolipin Antibody (IgA)
Sample Type	Serum (Blood)
Fasting Required	No
Main Use	Diagnosing APS or autoimmune clotting disorders
Paired With	ACL-IgG, ACL-IgM, β2 Glycoprotein, Lupus Anticoagulant
Clinical Relevance	Blood clots, miscarriages, lupus, strokes
Follow-up	Repeat in 12 weeks if APS is suspected

Cardiolipin Antibody (ACL) -IgA

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