Cardiolipin Test - IgA

The human body is made up of cells, and every cell is surrounded by a cell membrane. The membrane has the substance cardiolipin in it. They are found in a structure called mitochondria, which generates energy for the cell. Cardiolipin helps in the blood clotting process. In certain conditions, our body starts producing antibodies against these cardiolipins. The antibodies are known as anticardiolipin. They are mainly of 3 types, IgA, IgM, and IgG.

The Cardiolipin Antibody Test measures the antibodies against cardiolipin present in the blood. This test is done to measure the IgA subclass of cardiolipin antibodies. The result of the cardiolipin antibody test also helps in the evaluation of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS).

The APS is an auto-immune disorder. Here, the immune system mistakenly destroys its body cells by making antibodies against them. The anticardiolipin is mostly detected with other antibodies such as Beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibody and Lupus anticoagulants.

The cardiolipin antibodies affect the process of blood clot formation. This results in an increased risk of abnormal and frequent blood clots in the arteries and veins. The abnormal blood clots, through the blood circulation, can be carried to the lungs, heart, kidney or brain. It can lead to stroke, heart attacks, damage to lungs (pulmonary embolisms), deep veins of legs (deep vein thrombosis), and recurrent miscarriages.

Symptoms that arise because of cardiolipin antibodies vary depending on the organ affected by the blood clots. Major symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, migraine, persistent headache, heart attack, frequent unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, and stillbirth. The cardiolipin antibodies are usually associated with infections like syphilis, HIV, low platelet count, antiphospholipid syndrome, and auto-immune diseases like Lupus Erythematosus.

As per studies, the prevalence of anticardiolipin syndrome varies in different geographical regions. It is affected by ethnic differences and genetics. It is more common in the African region than in the Asia and Indian subcontinent. These antibodies can affect both men and women, but it is most commonly seen in women and older adults.

The results of the Cardiolipin IgA Test are based on the analysis of a blood sample. The cardiolipin IgA test shows the level of cardiolipin IgA in the blood. The result of the cardiolipin antibody test also shows the level of IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies using the same blood sample.

Antiphospholipid syndrome, Lupus erythematosus, Pulmonary embolism, Deep vein thrombosis

The Cardiolipin IgA Test shows the presence or absence of cardiolipin IgA antibodies in the blood. The test results also show the level of cardiolipin IgA antibodies.

If the result of the Cardiolipin IgA Test shows a high level of antibodies, the test is repeated after 12 weeks. The result of the confirmatory test and other signs and symptoms of the patient will help the doctor diagnose the underlying medical condition.

The Cardiolipin IgA Test is applicable for both males and females. Certain medications may interfere with the test results. If you are taking any medicines, inform your doctor about them before taking the test.

If a person is experiencing the following conditions, a healthcare practitioner may prescribe the Cardiolipin IgA Test:

• Pain, swelling and discolouration in legs
• Speech changes
• Breathing difficulties
• Repeated headaches or migraines
• Discomfort in arms, neck, and jaw
• Bleeding from nose and gums
• Chest pain
• Increase in heart rate
• Failure of in-vitro treatment
• Stillbirth
• Recurrent miscarriages(especially during 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy)
• Premature labour

Some disease conditions for which a doctor can prescribe a cardiolipin IgA test are:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Low platelet count
• HIV/AIDS infection
• Lupus erythematosus
• Syphilis
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Pulmonary embolism

The consulting physician prescribes the frequency of the Cardiolipin IgA Test. The doctor may ask you to get tested if you have unexplained blood clots in the body or a history of recurrent blood clots. The doctor may also prescribe the cardiolipin IgA test to women with recurrent miscarriages and stillbirth.

If the Cardiolipin IgA Test results come positive, the doctor may ask to repeat the test after 12 weeks. The test will determine whether the cardiolipin antibodies are temporary or persistent.

Before the Test

Typically, your doctor will not ask you to take special measures for a Cardiolipin IgA Test. However, if you are scheduled for this test along with another one, your healthcare provider may recommend fasting or avoiding certain foods. Always consult a doctor before the test for guidance.

During the Test

When the phlebotomist arrives for the Cardiolipin IgA Test, a blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. Here's what you can expect during the test:

• The area where the needle will be inserted will be cleaned with antiseptic.
• A tourniquet will be tied to your upper arm to make your veins visible.
• A needle will be inserted into the vein to draw the blood. This process may cause a brief pinch lasting a few seconds.
• The blood will be collected in a vial or small test tube, and a label will be filled with your details.

After the Test

Following the blood collection:

• A bandaid will be placed over the insertion site to stop any bleeding.
• Bruising is a common after effect. Some people also feel dizzy. You may be advised to rest for a few minutes.
• If bleeding, pain, or rashes at the puncture site persist, it's important to contact your healthcare provider.

The Cardiolipin IgA Test parameters include the presence or absence of cardiolipin antibody IgA in the body. The result of this test shows the level of antibodies present at the time of the test. It can also be due to any infection or old age.

A repeat test after 12 weeks will help the doctor in determining the diagnosis. The test result is affected by the health status of the person, recent infection, use of medications like penicillin and syphilis.

The Cardiolipin IgA Test results can be expressed as positive or negative. The diagnosis will also depend on the presence of other cardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM). The doctor may ask you for other tests to detect other antibodies in the blood that are associated with blood clot formation.

If its level is high and the test result is positive in pregnancy, there may be a risk of miscarriage and premature labour. Consult an expert for the same.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

The result of the Cardiolipin IgA Test is correlated with the Cardiolipin IgM and IgG antibody levels to determine the diagnosis. The health status, recent infection, signs and symptoms of the person, and results of all antibody tests will help diagnose the disease.

• A negative (normal level of antibody) result means you don’t have cardiolipin IgA antibodies.
• A positive (high level of antibody) result means you have excess cardiolipin IgA antibodies in the blood.

The antibodies usually fade away in some time after infection. The consulting physician will ask you to repeat the test after 12 weeks. The second test will help to know whether the antibodies are temporary or permanent. If they persist even after 12 weeks, it may be indicative of

• Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Syphilis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Behcet’s disease

The test alone cannot lead to any diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe other tests according to the signs and symptoms. Following the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe the medications and treatment.