LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT Detail

The Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) Test is a specialized blood test used to detect the presence of autoantibodies that interfere with the normal clotting process. Despite the name, Lupus Anticoagulants actually promote blood clot formation in the body, not bleeding. These antibodies are most commonly seen in individuals with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

LA antibodies target phospholipids and proteins associated with clotting, such as beta-2 glycoprotein I, and can increase the risk of:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

• Stroke

• Recurrent miscarriages or stillbirth

• Other thrombotic events

Testing for LA is typically done through a series of clotting time tests, including:

• aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)

• dRVVT (Dilute Russell Viper Venom Test)
  A positive result may require repeat testing after 12 weeks to confirm persistent positivity, as required for APS diagnosis.