Lupus anticoagulant
Lupus anticoagulant from citrate plasma (light blue tube greiner vacuette).
Lupus anticoagulans (dRVVT-Confirm)
This test cannot be taken at an injection station; you have to go to the laboratory in Mönchengladbach for it.
Always include information about anticoagulant medication.
If you test positive for Lupus anticoagulant, it means that there is a non-hereditary condition in which the body makes antibodies against a particular component (phospholipids) of the platelet membrane. This gives the distinct result that on one hand the APTT (clotting time) may be prolonged which usually gives a bleeding tendency, and on the other hand an increased risk of thrombosis.
The presence of a Lupus Anticoagulant may be part of a so-called antiphospholipid syndrome in which antiphospholipids (anticardiolipins) antibodies may be detected.
The presence of the Lupus Anticoagulant is related to an increased risk of thrombosis.
What triggers this condition is usually not clear. It can be triggered by infections, medications and other diseases.
Beyond an increased risk of thrombosis (thrombosis is the closure of a vein or artery by a blood clot (thrombus)), there is also an increased risk of problems during pregnancy.
The most common inhibitors of the clotting system are lupus anticoagulants (LA). Like the anti-cardiolipin antibody, they belong to a group of anti-phospholipid antibodies and inhibit coagulation-active phospholipid-protein complexes. Laboratory tests usually find an extension of phospholipid-dependent coagulation tests, such as the aPTT. However, there is no simple standard test to detect LA, so a combination of different "screening" and confirmatory tests must be used to diagnose LA.
In addition, to verify or rule out LA, a check-up is required after about 3 to 6 months.
In addition, immunological determination of phospholipid antibodies, especially anti-cardiolipin antibodies is recommended, and possibly an ANA and AMA.
Lupus Antikoagulans reference values:
dRVVT screening result is good if the Ratio is below 1.2.
Lupus anticoagulant (aPTT-LA) result is good if it is between 25.4 - 36.9 sec.
Lupus assessment: negative is good, positive is not good.
According to ISTH guidelines, two different tests are required to diagnose lupus anticoagulant. A positive result must be reconfirmed after 12 weeks. In addition to detecting lupus anticoagulant, tests for antibodies to cardiolipin (IgG and IgM) and beta-2-glycoprotein I (IgG and IgM) are also important for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Keep in mind that lupus anticoagulant tests may be affected by the use of blood thinners.
