The measurement of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been an important aspect
of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) characterization since the disease was first described
in the 1980s. Despite significant efforts geared toward the standardization of immunoassays
that measure anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-β2-glycoprotein I spanning three decades, there are still reports of significant interassay
and interlaboratory variation in the results of these assays. At the recent 13th International
Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APLA 2010, April 13–16, 2010, Galveston,
TX), a task force composed of internationally recognized experts in the field of APS
was formed to address these issues. In this review, we discuss approaches that have
been used in the past to achieve harmonization among aPL immunoassays as well as the
ongoing efforts of the APLA task force. Our review also highlights the importance
of cutoff determination in aPL assays and the clinical significance of positive aPL
results of varying magnitudes.
Keywords
anticardiolipin antibodies - antiphospholipid antibodies - anti-β
2 glycoprotein I antibodies - standardization
