There are 3 blood tests typicaly used in diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). These are: Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) Lupus anticoagulant (LA) Anti-beta2-glycoprotein-1 (anti-B2GP1). The first test (aCL) is the most common one drawn first.

Although tests results may come back positive, a diagnosis of APS is typically NOT given unless there are two positive lab tests at least 6 months apart AND a confimred thrombotic episode (either stroke, PE, TIA, DVT, etc).

Some with positive labs but not a cotting episode may be given aspirin as a precaution, or blood thinners during pregnancy. BUt routine blood thinners are not used unless a documented clotting event has occurred.

Have you had a positive test or blood clot?