Anti phospholipid Test - IgM

Antiphospholipid syndrome, Lupus erythematosus, excessive clotting disorder, Deep vein thrombosis

The human body is made up of cells. Each and every cell of our body is surrounded by a cell membrane. The membrane has phospholipids in it. These phospholipids play an important role in maintaining cell functions. They allow the movements of substances in and out of the cells. In certain conditions, our body starts producing antibodies against these phospholipids. The phospholipid antibodies attack the phospholipids and disrupt cell function. This is seen in a medical condition, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

APS is an auto-immune disorder that means the immune system mistakenly destroys its body cells by making antibodies against them. Different types of antibodies are developed against phospholipids. Among them, the major antibodies are- Anti-cardiolipin, Beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibody and Lupus anticoagulants. The antiphospholipid test measures the antibodies against phospholipids present in the blood.

There are three subclasses of these antibodies- IgG, IgM and IgA. Antiphospholipid IgG and antiphospholipid IgM are more commonly tested. The antiphospholipid IgM test is done to measure the IgM subclass of phospholipid antibodies.

These phospholipid antibodies prevent the proper flow of blood. This results in the formation of blood clots. The blood clots, through blood circulation, can be carried to the lungs, heart, kidney or brain. They can cause stroke, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, kidney damage and miscarriages.

Symptoms of antiphospholipid vary as they depend on the organ that is affected by the blood clots. Major symptoms that indicate the formation of anti-phospholipids in the body are shortness of breath, migraine, persistent headache, heart attack, frequent unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages and stillbirth. The APS is seen associated with genes, infections like syphilis, HIV, certain medications like penicillin and phenytoin and auto-immune diseases like Lupus Erythematosus.

As per the studies, the prevalence of antiphospholipid 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 elderly people. The disease can be life-threatening and its diagnosis followed by the proper medical treatment is important.

Other names of Antiphospholipid IgM test

• Antiphospholipid antibodies test
• Antiphospholipid antibody panel
• APLA IgM test
• APL IgM
• APS antibody test

What does the antiphospholipid IgM test detect/measure and who is this prescribed for?

The antiphospholipid IgM test shows the presence or absence of antiphospholipid IgM in the blood. The APL IgM test also measures the level of these IgM antibodies.

If a person is experiencing the following conditions, a healthcare practitioner may prescribe the APL test:

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

For people with such complaints, along with other tests, the antiphospholipid IgM test is prescribed by the consulting physician.

Some disease conditions for which an antiphospholipid IgM test can be prescribed are:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Unexplained prolonged Prothrombin time(PT) test
• Venous and arterial thrombosis
• Low platelet count
• HIV/AIDS infection
• Lupus erythematosus
• Syphilis
• Lyme disease
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Pulmonary embolism
• Kidney diseases

If the antibodies are present at a higher level, the test is repeated after 12 weeks. The result of the confirmatory test, along with the symptoms of the patient, helps in the diagnosis of underlying health conditions.

The antiphospholipid IgM test is applicable for both males and females. Certain medications like procainamide, penicillin and phenytoin may interfere with the test results. If you are on medication or ongoing any medical treatment, tell your doctor about it before taking the test.

If its level is high and the test result is positive in pregnancy, there is a risk of miscarriage and premature labour.

The test result is not significant in the diagnosis of any health condition. They are examined along with other test results, health status, signs and symptoms of the person.

• A negative result means you don’t have antiphospholipid antibodies.
• A positive result means you have antiphospholipid antibodies in the blood. A repeat test after 12 weeks will confirm it.
• If in the repeat test, the result is positive, it confirms the presence of some serious health issues.
• If the raised level of antibodies is not much, it indicates the presence of a recent infection. Moderate or high levels of any of the above-mentioned antibodies for more than 12 weeks show autoantibodies and a risk of antiphospholipid syndrome.

The test alone cannot lead to any diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe other tests according to the signs and symptoms. The antiphospholipid syndrome has no cure. You can only prevent the formation of blood clots in future and with proper medical care, prolong the life of a person.

The anti-phospholipid IgM test is based on the analysis of a blood sample. The result of the APL test will also show the level of IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies using the same blood sample.

Test Preparation

The antiphospholipid IgM test is an ELISA-based blood test that does not require fasting or any specific preparation. The blood sample is collected by drawing from any vein in your arm, commonly. This procedure takes 5-10 minutes. The collected blood is sent to the laboratory. The test results usually come within 24-36 hours after giving a blood sample.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The APL IgM test parameter includes the presence or absence of antiphospholipid IgM in the body. Different types of antibodies are produced by our immune system against phospholipids. Among them, levels of these anti-phospholipids are measured to get the diagnosis correctly:

• Anticardiolipin IgM antibody
• Beta-2 glycoprotein IgM antibody
• Lupus anticoagulant

They are expressed as units/mL of blood. The result of the APL IgM test shows the level of antibodies present at the time of the test. It can also be due to any infection. Your consulting doctor will explain the diagnosis and test results. The test result is affected by the health status of the person, recent infection, syphilis, HIV/AIDS infection and use of medications like penicillin.

The result of the APL IgM test can be expressed as positive or negative. A second test after 12 weeks is advised to confirm the diagnosis along with other tests.

How frequently should you take this test?

The APA-IgM test is prescribed by the consulting physician. The doctor may ask you to get tested if you have unexplained prolonged Prothrombin time (PTT), meaning your blood is taking too much time to form the clot. The doctor may also prescribe the APL IgM test to women with recurrent miscarriages and stillbirths.

The antiphospholipid IgM is used to determine the IgG and IgM types of antibodies. If the APL IgM test results come positive, then it is repeated after 12 weeks. It is to determine whether the antibodies are persistent or temporary.