Anti-cardiolipin antibodies belong to a heterogeneous family of anti-phospholipids. They are autoantibodies that are directed against anionic phospholipids or protein-phospholipid complexes. They are found in a wide range of conditions either transiently, in some infectious diseases, or more persistently in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Anti-cardiolipin antibodies have also been associated with a range of clinical conditions including: fetal loss, endocarditis, stroke, heart attack, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

The presence of cardiolipin antibodies can be used in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests to aid in assessing the risk of thrombosis in individuals with System Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or lupus-like disorders.

• Assay results should be used in conjunction with clinical findings and other serological tests
• This assay has not been validated to run in pediatric patients

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube - 5 mL

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin
3. Transfer serum to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as serum, within two (2) hours of sample collection

False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)

Refrigerated (preferred) - 7 days

Frozen (OK)

Ambient - NO

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Gross hemolysis 
• Gross lipemia
• Heparinized plasma
• Contamination
• Heat-treated sample
• Contains visible particulates
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CIA)