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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Autoimmune

Anti-Cardiolipin IgG

Anti-cardiolipin IgG is a key marker for antiphospholipid syndrome. Including it in an autoimmune screen helps identify this treatable cause of thrombosis.

What It Measures

This test quantifies IgG antibodies directed against cardiolipin. Results are reported in GPL units. Medium-to-high positive titres are more clinically significant than low positive results.

Why It Matters

Anti-cardiolipin IgG is one of three criteria antibodies for APS diagnosis. Persistent positivity combined with thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity confirms APS. IgG is more strongly associated with clinical events than IgM.

When to Test

Testing could be indicated for unexplained thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, unexplained prolonged aPTT, or suspected APS. Confirm positive results at least 12 weeks later.

Symptoms

Low Levels

A negative result is normal and does not require follow-up in the absence of clinical suspicion.

High Levels

Elevated anti-cardiolipin IgG may be associated with venous and arterial thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, thrombocytopenia, and livedo reticularis.

Lifestyle Tips

If persistently positive, discuss long-term anticoagulation with your specialist. Reduce modifiable thrombosis risk factors. Avoid oestrogen-containing contraception. Plan pregnancies with specialist guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is antiphospholipid syndrome?
An autoimmune condition where antibodies against phospholipids cause increased blood clotting and pregnancy complications. Diagnosis requires persistent antibodies plus a clinical event.
Why test both IgG and IgM?
IgG is more strongly linked to thrombosis. IgM may be transiently positive with infections. Testing both provides a complete picture of antiphospholipid antibody status.
Can anti-cardiolipin be transiently positive?
Yes. Infections can cause transient positivity. APS diagnosis requires confirmation at 12+ weeks to exclude transient causes.