To help investigate inappropriate blood clot formation; to help determine the cause of recurrent miscarriage; as part of an evaluation for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
When you have had one or more unexplained blood clots in a vein or artery; when you have had recurrent miscarriages, especially in the second and third trimesters, if you have a connective tissue disease such as SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) which can be associated with APS.
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
None
This test detects and measures one or more classes (IgG, IgM, or very rarely IgA) of beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibodies. Beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibody is a protein c-factro that binds to phospholipids. Phospholipids are lipid-proteins found in the outermost layer of cells (cell membrane) including blood cells such as platelets. In anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) autoantibodies are produced that target phospholipid and its co-factors such as B2GP1. Autoantibodies are produced by the body and act against the body. In APS 3 types of auantibodies may be seen; B2GP1, anti-cardiolipin (ACL) and lupus anticoagulant.
Antiphospholipid antibodies interfere with the body’s blood clotting process in a way that is not fully understood. Their presence increases a person’s risk of developing inappropriate blood clots (thrombi) in both arteries and veins. Antiphospholipid antibodies are most frequently seen in those with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disorder associated with blood clots (thrombotic episodes), a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), or with pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and recurrent miscarriages, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Antiphospholipid antibodies may also be detected in the circulation of patients with other autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).