Diseases and Conditions

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Diagnosis

If you've had episodes of blood clots or pregnancy loss that aren't explained by known health conditions, your doctor can schedule blood tests to check for abnormal clotting and for the presence of antibodies to phospholipids.

To confirm a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, the antibodies must appear in your blood at least twice, in tests conducted 12 or more weeks apart.

You can have antiphospholipid antibodies and never develop any signs or symptoms. A diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome is made only when these antibodies cause health problems.