Question 1

What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)?

Accepted Answer

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting in arteries and veins, as well as pregnancy complications. It is caused by the immune system producing antiphospholipid antibodies that attack phospholipids in cell membranes, disrupting normal blood clotting. The Cardiolipin Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for diagnosing APS.

Question 2

What causes Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Antiphospholipid Syndrome is caused by the immune system mistakenly producing antibodies that attack phospholipids, which are fat molecules found in cell membranes throughout your body. These rogue antibodies, particularly cardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and beta-2 glycoprotein antibodies, interfere with the proteins that control blood clotting. When these antibodies attach to phospholipids in your blood vessels, they trigger excessive clot formation, leading to dangerous blockages in arteries and veins. The exact reason why the immune system starts producing these harmful antibodies is not fully understood, but APS can occur on its own (primary APS) or alongside other autoimmune conditions like lupus (secondary APS).

Question 3

What is the best test for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Cardiolipin Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for Antiphospholipid Syndrome because it detects all three types of cardiolipin antibodies that directly cause blood clotting problems and pregnancy complications. This comprehensive blood test measures IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin, providing a complete picture of your antiphospholipid antibody status. The test helps doctors confirm the diagnosis, assess your risk level for developing blood clots, and guide treatment decisions. For a definitive APS diagnosis, doctors typically require positive antibody results on two separate occasions at least 12 weeks apart, along with clinical evidence of blood clots or pregnancy complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have experienced unexplained blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or brain (stroke), especially if you are young and have no other risk factors. Women who have had recurrent miscarriages, especially in the second or third trimester, or complications like preeclampsia or premature birth should definitely be tested. You should also consider testing if you have been diagnosed with another autoimmune disease like lupus, or if you have a family history of blood clotting disorders. Additionally, if you notice symptoms like frequent headaches, vision changes, leg pain or swelling, or skin discoloration (livedo reticularis), these could indicate APS and warrant testing.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome vary depending on where blood clots form in your body. In your legs, you might experience pain, swelling, warmth, and redness from deep vein thrombosis. Blood clots in the lungs cause sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. When clots affect the brain, you may have stroke symptoms like weakness on one side, speech difficulties, vision problems, or severe headaches. Women with APS often experience recurrent miscarriages, particularly after the first trimester. Other symptoms include a lacy, purplish skin pattern called livedo reticularis, kidney problems, heart valve abnormalities, low platelet counts causing easy bruising, and memory problems or confusion if small clots affect brain function.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

APS affects women more frequently than men, particularly women of childbearing age between 20 and 50 years old. People with other autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have a significantly higher risk of developing secondary APS. If you have a family member with APS or other autoimmune conditions, your risk increases. Certain infections, medications, and tumors can trigger the production of antiphospholipid antibodies. Additionally, people who have already experienced one unexplained blood clot or pregnancy loss are at higher risk of having APS. Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prolonged bed rest, surgery, and estrogen-based medications like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can further increase clotting risk in people with APS.

Question 7

What happens if Antiphospholipid Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, Antiphospholipid Syndrome can lead to life-threatening complications from recurrent blood clots. You risk developing deep vein thrombosis that can break off and travel to your lungs, causing potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Stroke from brain clots can result in permanent disability or death. Heart attacks can occur when clots block coronary arteries. Women with untreated APS face repeated pregnancy losses and may never be able to carry a baby to term. Kidney damage from clots in renal blood vessels can progress to kidney failure. In rare cases, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) can develop, where multiple organs fail simultaneously due to widespread clotting throughout the body. Chronic clotting can also damage heart valves, cause pulmonary hypertension, and lead to long-term cognitive problems from repeated small strokes.

Question 8

Can Antiphospholipid Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Antiphospholipid Syndrome is primarily diagnosed through specialized blood tests that detect antiphospholipid antibodies in your bloodstream. The cardiolipin antibodies test measures IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin phospholipids. Other important tests include lupus anticoagulant testing and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies. However, diagnosis requires more than just positive blood tests. You need to have positive antibody results on two separate blood draws at least 12 weeks apart, combined with clinical evidence of either blood clots or pregnancy complications. Your doctor will also rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Blood tests alone cannot diagnose APS, but they are essential for confirming the presence of the antibodies that characterize this condition.

Question 9

How is Antiphospholipid Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for Antiphospholipid Syndrome focuses on preventing blood clots with anticoagulant medications. Most people with APS who have had blood clots take warfarin (Coumadin) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) long-term to thin their blood and prevent new clots. Low-dose aspirin is often prescribed for people with APS who have not had clots but are at risk. Pregnant women with APS typically receive heparin injections combined with low-dose aspirin throughout pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Your doctor will monitor your blood clotting levels regularly through INR tests to ensure your medication dose is correct. In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications like avoiding smoking, staying active, maintaining healthy weight, and managing other risk factors are important. Treatment is usually lifelong since APS is a chronic condition.

Question 10

How can I prevent Antiphospholipid Syndrome complications?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent APS itself, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications by staying on your prescribed anticoagulant medications consistently and never stopping them without consulting your doctor. Attend all scheduled blood monitoring appointments to ensure your medication is working properly. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both increase clotting risk. Stay physically active with regular exercise to promote healthy circulation, but avoid activities with high injury risk while on blood thinners. Maintain a healthy weight and control conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Inform all healthcare providers, including dentists, that you have APS before any procedures. Women with APS should work closely with specialists before and during pregnancy. Wear medical alert identification and recognize warning signs of blood clots so you can seek immediate treatment if symptoms develop.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on supporting your overall vascular health and medication compliance. Take your anticoagulant medication at the same time each day and use pill organizers or phone reminders to avoid missing doses. Keep a consistent diet if you are on warfarin, as vitamin K in foods like leafy greens can affect how the medication works. Stay well-hydrated to keep blood flowing smoothly. Elevate your legs when resting to prevent blood pooling. Wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, as stress can worsen autoimmune conditions. Watch for signs of bleeding since blood thinners increase this risk, and report unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding, or blood in urine or stool to your doctor. Keep a symptom journal to track any changes or new symptoms, and maintain regular communication with your healthcare team about how you are feeling.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Antiphospholipid Syndrome Blood Test

What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)?

What causes Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

What is the best test for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

References

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