Antibodies are specialized cells in the immune system that attack and destroy pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
LA is an autoantibody, meaning it mistakes a healthy substance in your body for a pathogen.
As an antiphospholipid antibody, LA attacks phospholipids, which are an essential part of cell membranes.
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What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a group of unpredictable chronic autoimmune diseases that can strike any part of your body.
It most often involves inflammation of the skin, connective tissues, joints, kidneys, and heart.
The most common form issystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
What Is Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
That may lead tostroke,heart attack, and miscarriage.
It can also be present in people who don’t have lupus.
Who Has Lupus Anticoagulant?
Lupus anticoagulant is not exclusive to lupus.
But researchers who discovered it in the 1940s didn’t know that.
About 2% of the total population tests positive for them.About 50% of people with lupus have them.
Lupus Anticoagulant Test
The lupus anticoagulant test is a blood test that detects LA antibodies.
It doesn’t test for lupus itself but looks at how fast your blood clots.
Abnormal results may point to LA and antiphospholipid syndrome.
Coagulation tests, which measure how long it takes blood to clot, are used to detect LA.
The first test is usually the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
If the results of the aPTT are normal, they’ll often use more sensitive tests to be sure.
With the right therapy, you could manage complications from LA.
Your healthcare provider may have recommendations, specific to you, which can help lower your risk.
It causes problems with excessive blood clotting that can lead to stroke, heart attack, and miscarriage.
Coagulation blood tests are used to detect it.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent blood clots.
Frequently Asked Questions
It means you have autoantibodies in your blood that affect how your blood clots.
This may mean you have antiphospholipid syndrome.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you have lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease.
Lupus anticoagulant is an autoantibody in the blood that indicates a clotting disorder.
About half the people who test positive for lupus anticoagulant don’t have lupus.
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