Antiphospholipid Syndrome Antibodies — Snippets from the Laboratory

Abstract

Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies refer to antibodies associated with the clinical syndrome of vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity, termed as aPL syndrome (APS). aPL antibodies include lupus anticoagulants (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1). aCL antibody is more sensitive than LA and anti-β2GP1 even though the latter are more specific for APS. Interpretation of aPL results should be done collectively together with the clinical presentation of each individual. The latest recommendations and consensus on aPL antibody testings should be closely adhered to by laboratories in order to achieve an accepted standard and to ensure accuracy of test results.