What laboratory tests are essential for the diagnosis of Antiphospholi

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

For a patient with a history of thrombosis, the essential laboratory tests for the diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) involve the detection of specific antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) . These include:

Lupus anticoagulant (LA)
Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL)
Anti-beta2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies

To establish a definitive diagnosis of APS, these antibodies must be detected on at least two separate occasions, with a minimum of 12 weeks between the tests . Guidance on the laboratory detection and interpretation of these antiphospholipid antibodies for APS diagnosis is provided by expert subcommittees, such as the ISTH-SSC Subcommittee on Lupus Anticoagulant/Antiphospholipid Antibodies .

Key References

CKS - Deep vein thrombosis
CKS - Pre-conception - advice and management
NG158 - Venous thromboembolic diseases: diagnosis, management and thrombophilia testing
CKS - Pulmonary embolism
NG95 - Lyme disease
NG137 - Twin and triplet pregnancy
(Vandevelde and Devreese, 2022): Laboratory Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Insights and Hindrances.
(Zahidin et al., 2024): Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Review.
(Devreese et al., 2025): An update on laboratory detection and interpretation of antiphospholipid antibodies for diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome: guidance from the ISTH-SSC Subcommittee on Lupus Anticoagulant/Antiphospholipid Antibodies.

What laboratory tests are essential for the diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) in a patient with a history of thrombosis?

Key References

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