Cardiolipin Antibodies, IgG and IgM

The persistent presence of IgG and/or IgM cardiolipin (CL) antibodies in moderate or high levels (greater than 40 GPL and/or greater than 40 MPL units) is a laboratory criterion for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Persistence is defined as moderate or high levels of IgG and/or IgM CL antibodies detected in two or more specimens drawn at least 12 weeks apart (J Throm Haemost. 2006;4:295-306). Lower positive levels of IgG and/or IgM CL antibodies (above cutoff but less than 40 GPL and/or less than 40 MPL units) may occur in patients with the clinical symptoms of APS; therefore, the actual significance of these levels is undefined. Results should not be used alone for diagnosis and must be interpreted in light of APS-specific clinical manifestations and/or other criteria phospholipid antibody tests.