Specimen need not be refrigerated or frozen. Collect 2-3 ml of blood in a red top or serum separator tube. If possible, separate serum from clot and place into white tube provided with Immco Diagnostics’ collection kits. If separation facilities are not available, the blood can be sent in the tube used for collection.

Sample is stable at ambient temperature during shipment. If sample is stored prior to shipment, it is stable refrigerated (2-8˚C) up to five days and frozen (-20˚C or lower) up to one year.

The presence of cardiolipin antibodies helps to identify patients at risk for venous and/or arterial thrombosis often accompanied by thrombocytopenia, a syndrome referred to as antiphospholipid syndrome. This syndrome most commonly occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus-like diseases where the criteria for SLE are not fulfilled. High levels of cardiolipin antibodies also occur in fetal loss. Low levels of these antibodies are of limited significance.Clinical Relevance: The presence of cardiolipin antibodies helps to identify patients at risk for venous and/or arterial thrombosis often accompanied by thrombocytopenia, a syndrome referred to as antiphospholipid syndrome. This syndrome most commonly occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus-like diseases where the criteria for SLE are not fulfilled. High levels of cardiolipin antibodies also occur in fetal loss. Low levels of these antibodies are of limited significance.Clinical Relevance: The presence of cardiolipin antibodies helps to identify patients at risk for venous and/or arterial thrombosis often accompanied by thrombocytopenia, a syndrome referred to as antiphospholipid syndrome. This syndrome most commonly occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus-like diseases where the criteria for SLE are not fulfilled. High levels of cardiolipin antibodies also occur in fetal loss. Low levels of these antibodies are of limited significance.