Lupus anticoagulant (confirmation test)

Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is a laboratory blood test designed to detect autoantibodies against phospholipids, which can affect blood clotting. Despite its name, the presence of LA is not associated with bleeding, but rather with an increased risk of thrombosis. This test is used in the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome and certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Indications

• Episodes of venous or arterial thrombosis
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Suspected antiphospholipid syndrome
• Unexplained prolonged aPTT
• Systemic autoimmune diseases
• Monitoring previously detected antiphospholipid antibodies

Procedure

• Venous blood is drawn from the elbow vein
• The sample is placed in a tube with an anticoagulant
• The material is sent to the laboratory for coagulation testing
• Results are available within a few minutes
   

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/lupus/what-is-lupus-anticoagulant-test
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupus_anticoagulant
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544357/
https://www.healthline.com/health/lupus-anticoagulant
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/lupus-anticoagulant
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lupus-anticoagulant
https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-tests/antiphospholipid-antibodies/

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided here is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any symptoms or a flare-up of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic testing and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent assessment of your test results, it is recommended to have your tests performed at the same laboratory. Different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests, which can lead to discrepancies in the results.