Description
A blood test used to help identify lupus anticoagulants, antibodies that may increase the risk of abnormal blood clotting and pregnancy complications.
Despite the name, a lupus anticoagulant is not an anticoagulant medication and does not necessarily mean a person has lupus. These antibodies are part of a group known as antiphospholipid antibodies and may be associated with an increased risk of blood clots.
Who May Benefit From Testing?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have:
- Unexplained blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) at a young age
- Recurrent miscarriages or pregnancy complications
- Prolonged clotting test results (such as PTT)
- Suspected antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
- Autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
What Does "Reflex Confirmation" Mean?
If the initial screening test is abnormal, additional confirmatory testing is automatically performed to determine whether a lupus anticoagulant is truly present. This helps improve accuracy and reduces the need for repeat blood draws.
What Can the Results Tell You?
Positive Result
- May indicate the presence of lupus anticoagulant antibodies
- May support a diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome when combined with clinical findings
- May suggest an increased risk of blood clot formation
Negative Result
- Makes the presence of lupus anticoagulant less likely
- Does not completely exclude other clotting disorders
Important Considerations
Certain medications, especially blood thinners, can affect test results. Recent illness, inflammation, or transient antibody production may also influence findings. In some cases, repeat testing after 12 weeks may be recommended to confirm persistent positivity.
Why Test?
Identifying lupus anticoagulants can help:
- Evaluate unexplained clotting events
- Investigate recurrent pregnancy loss
- Assist in diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome
- Guide treatment and prevention strategies
Fasting is not required.
