What is the Lupus Anticoagulant Test?

The Lupus Anticoagulant test detects the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies that interfere with phospholipid-dependent clotting reactions in laboratory tests. Despite the name, lupus anticoagulant is associated with increased clotting risk, not bleeding.

These antibodies are part of a group linked to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune condition that increases the risk of blood clots and pregnancy-related complications. The test is performed using specialised coagulation assays rather than a single measurement.

Lupus anticoagulant testing is typically interpreted alongside other antiphospholipid antibody tests and clinical history.

Why do I need a test for Lupus Anticoagulant?

You may need this test if you have experienced unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages or abnormal clotting test results. Lupus anticoagulant can cause paradoxical laboratory findings while increasing real-world thrombotic risk.

Identifying these antibodies helps guide long-term anticoagulation decisions and pregnancy management, reducing the risk of future complications.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Unexplained deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• Recurrent miscarriage or pregnancy loss
• Stroke or transient ischaemic attack at a young age
• Prolonged clotting test results without bleeding symptoms
• Suspected antiphospholipid syndrome
• Autoimmune disease assessment
• Monitoring known APS
• Unexplained arterial or venous thrombosis

Benefits of the Lupus Anticoagulant Test

• Identifies thrombotic risk factors
  Detects antibodies linked to abnormal clotting.
• Supports diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome
  Key component of APS assessment.
• Explains abnormal clotting test results
  Clarifies paradoxical laboratory findings.
• Guides anticoagulation decisions
  Supports long-term clot prevention strategies.
• Supports pregnancy risk assessment
  Important in recurrent miscarriage evaluation.
• Relevant in autoimmune disease workup
  Often assessed alongside other autoantibodies.
• Improves long-term risk management
  Enables proactive monitoring and treatment.
• Clinically established coagulation investigation
  Widely used in haematology practice.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample undergoes specialised clotting assays.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Your Results Explained

Negative Result

No lupus anticoagulant detected.
This reduces the likelihood of antiphospholipid syndrome at the time of testing.

Borderline / Indeterminate Result

Results are inconclusive.
Repeat testing after 12 weeks may be recommended to confirm persistence.

Positive Result

Lupus anticoagulant detected.
This suggests increased clotting risk and may indicate antiphospholipid syndrome when persistent and clinically correlated.

UK guidance requires repeat positivity at least 12 weeks apart for diagnosis.