Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM

Also known as APL Antibody IgM

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred. Duly filled Coagulation Requisition Form is mandatory. It is recommended that patient discontinues Heparin for 1 day and Oral Anticoagulants for 7 days prior to sampling as these drugs may affect test results. Discontinuation should be with prior consent from the treating doctor.

Understanding Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM

What is Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM?

Antiphospholipid antibodies (APL) IgM are the antibodies directed against phospholipids responsible for blood clotting. This test is to check for the presence of APL that cause abnormal blood clotting and their presence is an indication of an autoimmune disorder called Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). Most commonly monitored APL are Lupus anticoagulants (LA) , anticardiolipin antibodies (ACL) and anti-beta2 glycoprotein. This test is done if a person suffers from inappropriate blood clotting, frequent miscarriages, stroke, or heart attack.

Various complications such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney faliure and lung damage can arise as a result of APS depending on the organ affected by the blood clots.

What is Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM used for?

The Antiphospholipid antibody IgM test is done:

In case of unexplained prolonged PTT test
In case of recurrent unexplained blood clots
In case of recurrent miscarriages especially in second and third trimesters
As a part of evaluation for antiphospholipid syndrome
To help diagnose or evaluate an autoimmune disorder

What does Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM measure?

The antiphospholipid antibody IgM test detects the antibodies that bind to phospholipids in the blood. The antiphospholipid antibodies are a group of immune proteins that are produced by the body mistakenly against itself in an autoimmune response to phospholipids.

Phospholipids are known as structural components of cell membranes. They play an important role in blood clotting. In addition to various coagulation factors, phospholipids are important for the functioning of platelets.

The antiphospholipid antibodies interfere with the process of clotting and thus posing an affected person to an increased risk of developing recurrent inappropriate blood clots in arteries and veins. This can lead to strokes, heart attacks, or miscarriages.

The antiphospholipid antibodies are also associated with thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts). Along with that, these antibodies can pose a risk to recurrent miscarriages, especially in the second and third trimester, premature labor, and pre-eclampsia (a complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure).

The antiphospholipid antibodies have been identified in autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic sclerosis. They can also be present in infections like HIV, mononucleosis, and rubella; cancers such as solid tumors, leukemias, lymphomas. The use of certain drugs like procainamide, phenothiazines, and oral contraceptives can also develop antiphospholipid antibodies.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM

Frequently Asked Questions about Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM

Q. What is antiphospholipid syndrome?

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is also known as Hughes syndrome. The group of signs and symptoms include formation of blood clots, miscarriages, deficiency of platelets (thrombocytopenia), and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. APS can be primary or secondary. Primary APS has no underlying autoimmune disorder while secondary APS exists with a diagnosed autoimmune disorder.

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

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