What is the clinical significance when samples test positive for the anti-cardiolipin antibodies and are negative for anti-b2GPI?
The aCL assay can detect antibodies of differing specificities. This includes antibodies specific for the cardiolipin molecule itself, and antibodies that are directed against either a cofactor molecule such as b2GPI, or a special binding site created by the interaction of a cofactor with CL. Antibodies directed against CL may be associated with infectious disease, or may be specific for a different cofactor, such as prothrombin. The clinical significance of these antibodies must be assessed in conjunction with the patient?s symptoms, clinical history, and other laboratory findings. Follow-up testing of these patients is recommended in 3-6 months to confirm reactivity. Only b2GPI cofactor dependent antibodies react in the anti-b2GPI assay; these antibodies show a higher correlation with thrombosis and are more specific for the antiphospholipid syndrome.
