Blood cells in the body can be easily manipulated and there are multiple disorders that cause blood cells to form blood clots. Blood tests are used to detect lupus anticoagulants. TA lupus anticoagulant panel consists of additional tests like the viper venom test, modified Russell viper venom test, and other special blood clotting tests. Learn what lupus anticoagulant detection looks like, how an unexpected blood clot is handled, and what antiphospholipid syndrome is.
What is a Lupus Anticoagulant Test?
This blood test checks for antibodies that cause a blood clotting disorder. If you are unaware of what antibodies are, they are proteins produced by your immune system responsible for fighting off viruses and other germs.
Some people get this test confused with an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but that is not what the lupus anticoagulant test is testing. SLE is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the body's normal cells causing inflammatory disease. Common symptoms of SLE include joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes.
The lupus anticoagulant test is also known as the lupus anticoagulant panel and includes lupus inhibitor, dilute Russell viper venom test, modified Russell viper venom test, and LA sensitive.
Antiphospholipid antibodies cause lupus anticoagulant tests to be abnormal. Antiphospholipid antibodies attack phospholipids, a group of molecules that constitute cell membranes and can stop your blood cells from working.
Antiphospholipid antibodies can cause blood clots in the heart, brain, lungs, and legs. People diagnosed with Lupus should get the Russell viper venom test to better understand their risk factors for developing blood clots down the road.
Your doctor will likely order a lupus anticoagulant blood test if you have unexplained blood clots, have a history of Lupus and blood clots, and for women, have a history of repeat miscarriages.
Why You Should Get Tested.
One of the main reasons someone should get the lupus anticoagulant test is to help find out why unexpected blood clots occur in individuals with no other risk factors for a blood clot.,
Blood Clot.
Knowing when to get tested is important too. Communication with your doctor is essential for this step. However, if you have a history of blood clots or recurrent miscarriage, those are sure signs to talk to your doctor and to get a test ordered for you.
Blood Vessels.
Lupus anticoagulants are antibodies that attack phospholipids which play a vital role in blood clotting. These antibodies can increase the risk of thrombosis or blood clots.These blood clots reduce the blood supply flowing through the body which can result in a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
As mentioned, lupus anticoagulants can also affect pregnancy, causing recurring miscarriages. Lupus anticoagulants have been known to cause clots in the blood vessels supplying the placenta. This, in turn, affects the growth and development of the fetus.
When is the Right Time to Get Tested.
As stated before, lupus anticoagulant testing is in addition to other blood tests being ordered. If your test results state a positive presence of lupus anticoagulant, the test is normally repeated in 12 weeks to confirm the results.
Additionally, if the test results come back negative, but the patient is diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, the test may also be repeated. This is why there are other confirmatory blood tests, such as the Russell viper venom test. A repeat test ensures accuracy of the results.
What The Test Indicates.
The test determines whether or not lupus anticoagulant antibodies are present in the body. The results can aid in the early detection of lupus anticoagulant antibodies. Suppose the results indicate that the patient is not positive for lupus anticoagulants but the patient is still experiencing blood clots. In that case, there could be a different blood clotting disorder occurring in the body.
What Causes These Types of Blood Clots?
One cause of blood clots forming in the body is trauma. There are also diseases associated with increased risk of developing blood clots which include cancer, obesity, liver disease, and kidney disease. Smoking and a family history of blood clots can also lead to an increased risk of forming blood clots.
How to Prevent Blood Clots.
The guide to preventing a blood clot goes as follows.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Rest your legs above your heart from time to time for better circulation
- Where compression socks (if doctor recommended)
- Stay active and exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
- Don't sit in one spot for too long
- Consume less salt
- Avoid trauma to the arms and legs
Your doctor might recommend you take blood thinners if your blood continues to clot despite conservative measures. Your blood will be monitored to ensure adequate response to treatment.
Key Takeaways About Lupus Anticoagulant.
Now that you know what lupus anticoagulant testing is and how blood cells are affected during the clotting process, you can avoid the immune system disorder and keep your cells healthy. Sometimes multiple clotting tests must be run to determine the correct course of action and confirm the underlying cause of your clotting disorder. Remember that anticoagulation therapy is available for lupus patients and people with other clotting immune system disorders.Taking care of your immune system is extremely important so if you can prevent these diseases from occurring, do it!
FAQs About Lupus Anticoagulants.
What is Dilute Russell Viper Venom?
This is classified as the most popular test to detect lupus anticoagulant (LA). Dilute Russel Viper Venomis considered one of the most sensitive tests for LA compared to other tests.
Can you have antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and Lupus?
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause blood clots in various parts of your body. That being said, it is more common in people with Lupus. So to answer the question, yes, you can have both antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and Lupus simultaneously.
