Anti-Cardiolipin IgA details

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies are autoantibodies that mistakenly target cardiolipin, a phospholipid found in cell membranes and involved in normal blood clotting regulation. This IgA subtype is one of three antibody classes (along with IgG and IgM) tested as part of the antiphospholipid antibody panel, used to help diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome — an autoimmune condition that raises the risk of blood clots, recurrent miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications. IgA anti-cardiolipin antibodies are less commonly included in standard diagnostic criteria than IgG and IgM, but can still be clinically relevant, especially when other antiphospholipid markers are positive. A single positive result is usually confirmed with repeat testing at least 12 weeks later, since transient positives can occur with infections or other conditions.