Diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

An accurate diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)is important because Arterial thrombosis can have serious consequences.

Diagnosis of APS is based on the results of specific blood tests and a medical assessment.

If APS is suspected, you'll usually be referred to hospital to see either:

  • a haematologist (specialist in conditions affecting the blood)
  • a rheumatologist (specialist in conditions affecting the immune system)

Specific blood tests

To diagnose APS, the blood needs to be tested for the abnormal antiphospholipid antibodies that increase the risk of blood clots. This requires ablood test specifically designed for look for these antibodies.

A diagnosis of APS can only be made after two abnormal blood test results, with at least a 12-week gap between them.

This is because harmless antiphospholipid antibodies can sometimes develop in the body for short periods of time.Usually this is a result of an infection or a side effect of medication, such as antibiotics .

If antiphospholipid antibodies are identified during the first blood test, another test will be needed at a later date to confirm whether the abnormal antibodies are still present.

Visit Lab Tests Online for more information about antiphospholipid antibody testing .

Medicalassessment

Ifblood tests confirm you have APS, your medical history will be carefully assessed to check whether you've experienced any previous symptoms that may be caused by APS.

A diagnosis of APS can usually be confirmed if you've had:

  • one or more confirmed blood clots
  • one or more unexplained late miscarriages , at or after week 10 of your pregnancy
  • one or more premature births , at or before week 34 of your pregnancy
  • three or more unexplained early miscarriages, before week 10 of your pregnancy

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 29 Nov 2016