What is the Lupus Anticoagulant and Anticardiolipin Antibodies Test?

This combined blood test screens for two key antiphospholipid antibodies: lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. These antibodies interfere with normal blood clotting mechanisms and are central to the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), also known as Hughes syndrome.

Despite the term “anticoagulant,” these antibodies increase the risk of abnormal blood clots in veins and arteries. They can also affect pregnancy outcomes by interfering with placental blood flow. Testing both markers together improves diagnostic accuracy compared with single-marker testing.

This panel is commonly used in haematology, obstetrics and autoimmune medicine.

Why do I need a test for Lupus Anticoagulant and Anticardiolipin Antibodies?

You may need this test if you have experienced unexplained blood clots, recurrent pregnancy loss or abnormal clotting test results. Hughes syndrome can present with serious complications but may remain undiagnosed without targeted testing.

Identifying these antibodies supports early diagnosis, appropriate anticoagulation planning and safer pregnancy management where relevant.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

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

Benefits of the Lupus Anticoagulant and Anticardiolipin Test

• Improves diagnosis of Hughes syndrome
  Combines two core antiphospholipid markers.
• Identifies increased clotting risk
  Supports early risk stratification.
• Guides anticoagulation decisions
  Helps determine need for long-term therapy.
• Supports pregnancy risk assessment
  Essential in recurrent miscarriage evaluation.
• Explains paradoxical clotting test results
  Clarifies prolonged clotting times with thrombosis risk.
• Relevant in autoimmune disease workup
  Often assessed alongside lupus and other autoimmune conditions.
• Clinically validated testing approach
  Widely used in haematology and obstetrics.
• Supports long-term monitoring and prevention
  Enables proactive management of future complications.

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 coagulation and antibody 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 Results

Neither lupus anticoagulant nor anticardiolipin antibodies detected.
This reduces the likelihood of antiphospholipid syndrome at the time of testing.

Borderline / Indeterminate Results

Low or inconsistent antibody levels detected.
Repeat testing after at least 12 weeks may be recommended to confirm persistence.

Positive Results

One or both antibodies detected.
Persistent positivity, combined with clinical symptoms, supports a diagnosis of Hughes syndrome.

UK diagnostic criteria require antibody persistence over time.