Lupus anticoagulant screening (LA screen)

Why this test?

• To find out the causes of thrombosis.
• To find out the reasons for termination of pregnancy.
• To find out if the increased APTN is caused by the lupus anticoagulant or some specific inhibitor.
• For the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (in combination with a test for anticardiolipin antibodies and antibodies to beta-2-glycoprotein).
• To confirm the presence of lupus anticoagulant.

In what cases is it prescribed?

• With thrombosis.
• When long-term APTZ is detected (in the case of a positive result, the analysis is usually repeated after a few weeks to confirm the presence of lupus anticoagulant).
• If the patient has anticardiolipin antibodies.

Test information

Anticoagulant of lupus erythematosus (LA) is called autoantibodies, which are produced by the immune system against its own phospholipids and / or proteins associated with phospholipids.

Phospholipids play a vital role in the process of thrombus formation. They are found on the surface of platelets and contribute to the activation of several coagulation factors in response to damage to blood vessels or tissues. They are named so because they were first discovered in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They may also be present in patients with autoimmune diseases, AIDS, inflammation, cancer, and those taking phenothiazines, procainamide, or fansidar.

Lupus anticoagulants increase the risk of blood clots in veins and arteries (most often in the veins of the legs - deep vein thrombosis). Such thrombi can block the flow of blood in any part of the body, which can lead to heart attacks, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, as well as miscarriages, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

There is no single analysis for the determination of lupus anticoagulant. They are usually detected by a combination of different tests. Initial testing includes one or more tests using phospholipid reagents. Depending on their results, additional tests may be performed to confirm or deny the presence of lupus coagulant.

Lupus anticoagulant is one of the three main antiphospholipid antibodies, the presence of which is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (also called Hughes syndrome) have one or more types of antibodies in their blood.