Anti-cardiolipin Antibodies (ACA) Test

Anticardiolipin Antibodies are proteins found in the body that works against kardiolipin. Kardiolipin and other related phospholipids are lipid molecules that are usually found in cell membranes and platelets as well as having an important role in regulating blood clotting. Whenantibodies produced against kardiolipin, they will increase the risk of blood clots forming an undue (thrombosis) in the arteries and veins.

Anticardiolipin Antibodies belong to a group of antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) in conjunction with lupus anticoagulan (LA). LA causes the elongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Clinical manifestations associated with the respective antibody appeared similar, namely thrombosis. Clinical experience suggests that venous thrombosis may be associated with LA, and arterial thrombosis is more likely associated with a high titer of ACAantibodies. Antiphospholipid antibodies are acquired abnormalities; may occur in association with systemic autoimmune disorders or by itself. Patients remain at risk for thrombosis as long as there are autoantibodies.

Clinical Problems

Elevated levels of anticardiolipin antibodies found in antiphospholipid syndrome (thrombosis of arteries and veins are recurrent, recurrent miscarriage), autoimmune diseases (SLE, HIV / AIDS), preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, thrombocytopenia, malignancy (leukemia, lymphoproliferative disorders and plasmasitik, solid tumors), infections (bacteria, viruses, protozoa), neurologic events including transient ischemic attack and stroke, liver disease, and disease dermatologik (livedo reticularis, acrocyanosis, pyoderma, extensive skin necrosis). The influence of drugs: chlorpromazine, procainamide, kuinidin, penicillin, many antibiotics, phenytoin.

Procedure

Anticardiolipin antibodies consists of three kinds, namely IgM, IgG, and IgA. Tests for anticardiolipin IgM and IgG antibodies are often asked to help determine the cause of thrombosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, or thrombocytopenia. It may also be requested along with the testing of lupus anticoagulant (LA) to help investigate the cause of APTT prolonged, especially if clinical findings indicate that the patient has SLE or another autoimmune disorder. If the primary test results are normal but clinical suspicion is still there, then testing can be performed IgA anticardiolipinantibodies.

If one or more types Anticardiolipin antibodies are detected, then the same test is usually repeated at least After 6 weeks to help determine whether their presence is persistent or temporary. If the test is negative, may be retested at a later date because theseantibodies can develop at any time.

Anticardiolipin antibody testing was conducted by ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Testing using an automatic analyzer has an accuracy better.

Serum specimens used were obtained by collecting venous blood in a tube and a red lid with a dizzying centrifuger to separate serum from blood cells. Avoid actions that cause hemolysis in the sample. No special preparations or restrictions on food-beverage intake in patients before sampling.