Antiphospholipid syndrome laboratory findings
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Antiphospholipid syndrome is tested for in the laboratory using both liquid phase coagulation assays (lupus anticoagulant) and solid phase ELISA assays (anti-cardiolipin antibodies).
Laboratory Findings
Genetic thrombophilia is part of the differential diagnosis of APS and can coexist in some APS patients. Thus genetic thrombophilia screening can consist of:
- Further studies for Factor V Leiden variant and the prothrombin mutation, Factor VIII levels, MTHFR mutation.
- Levels of protein C, free and total protein S, Factor VIII, antithrombin, plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)
The testing of antibodies to the possible individual targets of aPL such as β2 Glycoprotein 1 and antiphosphatidyl serine is currently under debate as testing for anticardiolipin appears to be currently sensitive and specific for diagnosis of APS even though cardiolipin is not considered an in vivo target for antiphospholipid antibodies.