Cardiolipin IgM Ab (ACA)

The Cardiolipin IgM Ab (ACA) test detects IgM antibodies in the blood. This test is especially important as it helps identify the causes of recurrent miscarriages and assess autoimmune diseases. It is available among many other tests at IntroLab Laboratory in Belgrade.

What is the Cardiolipin IgM Ab (ACA) test?

The Cardiolipin IgM Antibodies test looks for IgM antibodies in your blood. These antibodies help fight infections, but in certain medical conditions, IgM antibodies mistakenly attack cardiolipin, a type of fat in the blood that is important for blood clotting. When antibodies attack cardiolipin, blood clots can form, and platelets, which help in clotting, can be consumed, leading to bleeding problems. High levels of these antibodies are often seen in people with abnormal blood clotting, autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or recurrent miscarriages.

Why and when do you need the Cardiolipin IgM Ab (ACA) test?

Your doctor may order this test to evaluate excessive blood clotting, especially if you have symptoms indicating thrombotic episodes. Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the location of the blood clot. For example, clots deep in the veins of the legs are referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The test may also be ordered if you have a history of miscarriages.

What sample is needed for the test?

The test requires a blood sample, typically taken from a vein in the forearm.

What do the test results mean?

A negative result means that cardiolipin antibodies are either absent or at unremarkable levels in the blood at the time of testing. Moderate to high levels of cardiolipin antibodies that persist when tested again 12 weeks later indicate the likely permanent presence of that specific antibody.

If I have cardiolipin antibodies, will I definitely develop blood clots?

Not necessarily. Cardiolipin antibodies are a risk factor but do not predict whether someone will experience recurrent blood clots or other related complications.

What other tests might be indicated alongside this?

The cardiolipin antibody test is usually one of many tests to investigate symptoms. The tests you will receive depend on what your doctor requests. For example, if your doctor suspects you have SLE, they may ask you to undergo additional blood tests, which may include:

• Complete blood count
• Thrombin time
• Prothrombin time
• Antinuclear antibody test (common in people with lupus)
• Antiphospholipid antibody test (found in people with abnormal blood clotting)
• Ultrasound to check for clots in arteries or veins

Your doctor may also request testing for Cardiolipin IgA Ab (ACA) and Cardiolipin IgG Ab (ACA) in addition to the Cardiolipin IgM Ab (ACA) test.