OVERVIEW:
What is the anti-cardiolipin IgM lab test?
An anti-cardiolipin IgM lab test is a blood test that checks for the presence of anti-cardiolipin IgM antibodies in your blood.
Why is the anti-cardiolipin IgM lab test done?
An anti-cardiolipin IgM lab test is done in order to:
- Identify the cause behind unexplained arterial or venous thrombosis (formation of a clot in arteries or veins),
- Repeated miscarriages beyond the 10th week of pregnancy,
- Identify the cause behind unexplained cutaneous circulatory disturbance (interruption in the flow of blood),
- Diagnose an autoimmune disease,
- Screen for possible non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (abnormal growths on the heart valves).
What does an anti-cardiolipin IgM lab test measure?
An anti-cardiolipin IgM lab test measures the amount of anti-cardiolipin IgM antibodies present in your blood. Cardiolipin is a type of fat that is essential for blood to clot. Anti-cardiolipin IgM antibodies attack cardiolipins and cause the blood to clot.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is needed for this test.
Does a positive anti-cardiolipin antibodies test result confirms systemic lupus erythematosus?
A positive anti-cardiolipin IgM antibodies test result does not necessarily mean that you have systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease).
How long will it take for my test result to be available?
Your test result will be available within 1-2 days.
Do I need to fast before getting this test done?
You do not need to fast before getting this test done.
Anti-cardiolipin IgM level less than 15 GPL is negative.
Anti-cardiolipin IgM level between 15 – 39.9 GPL is weakly positive.
Anti-cardiolipin IgM level between 40 -79.9 is positive.
Anti-cardiolipin IgM level above or equal to 80 GPL is strongly positive.
An anti-cardiolipin IgM lab test is done in order to:
- Identify the cause behind unexplained arterial or venous thrombosis (formation of a clot in arteries or veins),
- Repeated miscarriages beyond the 10th week of pregnancy,
- Identify the cause behind unexplained cutaneous circulatory disturbance (interruption in the flow of blood),
- Diagnose an autoimmune disease,
- Screen for possible non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (abnormal growths on the heart valves).