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Anticardiolipin IgM Antibody

Primary Name	Anticardiolipin IgM Antibody
Synonym	Anticardiolipin antibody
Synonym	Antiphospholipid antibody
Contraction	ACA
Contraction	ACL
Contraction	--
UAB Procedure Number
CPT Code	86147
Specimen	Collect one serum separator tube (Vacutainer SST with tiger top) with a gel barrier. Minimum volume 2 mL.
Specimen Management	Centrifuge tube within one (1) hour of collection, separate serum and test or freeze at -70°C.
Specimen Accepted	Daily including weekends
Times Available	0730-1600
Test Performed	One day a week
Available Stat?	No
Description	ACAs are acquired non-specific inhibitors that are detected in 1-2% of individuals. Chronic ACA is associated with a 30% risk of venous thromboembolic disease or arterial thrombosis, including stroke and myocardial infarction. Chronic ACA is also associated with chronic spontaneous abortion.
Reference Interval	Negative: 10 MPL units/mL or less Low positive: 11-20 MPL units/mL Moderate positive: 21-60 MPL units/mL High positive: More than 60 MPL units/mL
Critical Value	--
Therapeutic Range	--
Follow-up Test	*The ACA is recommended as part of a complete workup for possible antiphospholipid syndrome. It should be accompanied by the lupus anticoagulant profile. *The lupus anticoagulant profile is a series of assays based on the PTT-LA and the DRVVT with follow-up mixing studies and neutralization stages. *A positive lupus anticoagulant profile or ACA should be repeated on a new specimen after 8-10 weeks to determine if the inhibitor is transient or chronic. * Other assays associated with ACA and lupus anticoagulant testing are the beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibody and the anti-prothrombin antibody test.
Associated With	Venous thrombosis
Associated With	Arterial thrombosis
Associated With	Lupus anticoagulant
Associated With	Spontaneous abortions
Associated With	Coagulation factor inhibitors

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