Screening for Lupus Anticoagulant
Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is a type of antibody that attacks certain fats in cell membranes, called phospholipids, which are important for blood clotting. It is linked to a condition called antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a disorder that increases the risk of dangerous blood clots. Despite its name, lupus anticoagulant is not exclusive to lupus and can occur in people without the disease. Detecting LA is important for identifying those at risk of blood clots, diagnosing APS, and guiding treatment decisions to prevent complications.
To screen for lupus anticoagulant, doctors typically follow a three-step procedure: screening, mixing, and confirmation tests. These tests measure the time it takes for blood to clot.
- Step 1: Screening test
- Doctors start with a test to measure how long it takes your blood to clot.
- Step 2: Mixing test
- If the first test shows delayed clotting, a second test is done by mixing the person’s blood plasma with plasma from a healthy donor. This helps doctors figure out if the delay is caused by a problem with the blood’s ability to clot or by antibodies like lupus anticoagulant.
- Step 3: Confirmation test
- Finally, confirmations tests are done to verify the presence of lupus anticoagulant.
It's important to note that interpreting these tests can be challenging due to various factors such as underlying infections, medications, pregnancy, and acute thrombosis. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.