ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cardiolipin Antibody, IgM : 0050902

Mnemonic: AC-IGM

Ordering Recommendation: Acceptable initial test for strong suspicion of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Order with lupus anticoagulant (LA) (0030181) and anti-beta-2-glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1) IgG and IgM (0050321) assays. Combined IgG and IgM cardiolipin (aCL) antibody test is preferred )0099344).
Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.3 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma or other body fluids. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed, or lipemic specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year
Reference Interval:
0-12 MPL: Negative
13-19 MPL: Indeterminate
20-80 MPL: Low to Medium Positive
81 MPL or above: High positive
Interpretive Data: Most patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) have medium or high levels of anticardiolipin IgG and/or IgM antibodies. All positive results should be retested on two or more occasions and at least 12 weeks apart to confirm persistence (J Thromb Haemost. 2006;4:295-306).
Note: MPL = IgM phospholipid units
CPT Code(s): 86147
Cross References: ACA (Cardiolipin Antibody, IgM), aCL (Cardiolipin Antibody, IgM), Anti-Cardiolipin (Cardiolipin Antibody, IgM), Anticardiolipin (Cardiolipin Antibody, IgM)