[Christine-MA]

So the Dr just called back, after I asked them 2 days ago if they were going to do any follow-up for my 2 consecutive m/c in Aug and Dec.

I am going in today for bloodwork to look for:

ANA - Antinuclear Antibodies
Anti-Cardiolipin
Lupus anticoagulant

Now obviously this doesn't include the progesterone test which is really the only one I'm worried about! But I know that's done at 7dpo......do you know if they could even do it this cycle since it's the m/c cycle? I haven't ovulated yet, so if they can, it's possible it could be done in the next two weeks. If not, then I have about 6 weeks before they can do it anyway. I'll talk to him about it, and if for whatever reason he won't do it, I'll see if my PCP will do it, or find someone else to do it.

Anyone know anything about those? I've researched online and found a little info, but not much and I expect them to be normal. (for no reason other than I'm pretty healthy aside from the m/c)

[HOPINGFOR#4]

Sorry I dont know about theose, but hope they find something and can easily correct it. KUP

[..Jessica..]

I know nothing about any of those tests!

I hope some of the ladies can help you out!

[AliciaF]

I had those tests done and they revealed an elevated PTT-LA and Hexagonal Phase Confirm.

Both lupus anitibodies and blood clotting issues.

[Pitridge]

I don't know anything about those test either. I hope someone knows something about them.

[huckleberry312]

The ana is a test for autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, RA, or other diseases where your body attacks it's own immune system. A lot of these can cause problems with conceiving and carrying a baby. I tested positive on my ana and have Sjogren's syndrome. I am on low dose baby aspirin for it and numerous other reasons. I would assume they are running the lupus test for the same reason.



Here is some info I found on the other test


Anti-Cardiolipin Antibody Test (ACA)
If you are currently undergoing fertility treatment, then you are probably pretty familiar with the huge gamut of tests that often goes along with it. Before you can proceed with fertility treatments, it is necessary to find out exactly what is going on with your reproductive system, and this may require undergoing a number of different tests. The anti-cardiolipin antibody test is designed to help discover the reasons behind unexplained infertility. If you are having trouble getting pregnant but can't seem to find out why, this test may provide some answers.

What are Cardiolipin Antibodies?
Cardiolipin antibodies are proteins found in your body that work against cardiolipin. Cardiolipin is a molecule found in your blood platelets and various cell membranes. It is one of a group of molecules called phospholipids. You need cardiolipin in order to help regulate blood clotting throughout your body. Sometimes though, your body can mistake cardiolipin for an attacking substance. As a result, your body creates soldier-like molecules to fight against the cardiolipin.

Types of Cardiolipin Antibodies
There are three main types of cardiolipin antibodies. The level of each type of anti-cardiolipin is examined during the anti-cardiolipin test. They include:


IgG
IgM
IgA

What are the Effects of Cardiolipin Antibodies?
If your body contains cardiolipin antibodies, you may experience no symptoms at all. In fact, up to 2% of the population, both men and women, have anti-cardiolipin in their blood stream. It is only when these levels are quite high that they pose a problem.

If you have high levels of anti-cardiolipin antibodies in your blood, you may begin to notice certain symptoms. These can include:


unexplained miscarriage
unexplained stillbirth
unexplained infertility
blood clots in your veins or arteries

Who Has Cardiolipin Antibodies?
Though anyone can have cardiolipin antibodies in their bloodstream, some people are more likely to have persistent anti-cardiolipin problems. People with autoimmune diseases, like Lupus and HIV/AIDS are more likely to have high levels of anti-cardiolipin. It has also been discovered that up to 15% of infertility patients also have higher-than-normal anti-cardiolipins.

Cardiolipin antibodies and Infertility
Because of the high numbers of infertile women suffering from increased cardiolipin antibodies, it is now thought that immune system antibodies might play a major role in preventing conception. Though studies conflict on the subject, many reports indicate that women with cardiolipin antibodies have a harder time getting pregnant and carrying their pregnancies to term. This may be because anti-cardiolipin antibodies can cause tiny blood clots, preventing blood from flowing to the reproductive organs or placenta.

The Anti-Cardiolipin Antibody Test
If you are still in the dark about what is causing your fertility problems, you may want to ask your health care provider to run an anti-cardiolipin antibody test. This test is a very simple procedure. All it requires is a blood sample, which is taken by needle from a vein in your arm. This blood is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

The Results
When your results come in, your health care provider will help you to interpret the results. There should be three different measurments - one for each type of cardiolipin antibody.


Normal Results: Normal results mean that you have typical levels of cardiolipin antibodies in your blood. Normal IgG is below 23 ug/mL, while normal IgM and IgA is below 11 ug/mL.
Abnormal Results: Abnormal results indicate that you have higher-than-normal levels of cardiolipin antibody in your blood. Levels that are slightly above 23 ug/mL may not be a cause for concern. Sometimes, cardiolipin antibodies are elevated temporarily due to colds or the flu. Levels that are between 25ug/mL and 70 ug/mL however, may interfere with your ability to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term.

After the Test
Once you have gotten your test results back, it is important to discuss your options with your health care provider. If you have borderline results, it is probably a good idea to perform the test again in about 6 weeks. This will allow for any fluctuations due to minor illnesses. If your levels are high, you may consider treatment to help control the number of anti-cardiolipin antibodies in your blood. This will reduce your risk of blood clots and hopefully, allow you to conceive and carry a baby to term. Treatments generally involve medication, such as:


baby aspirin
Heparin
prednisone
cyclosporin
gamma globulin
plasmapheresis

I don't know anything about those tests. I just wanted to give you a big hug and say good luck!!!

[DoulaMama]

those are pretty much the standard recurrent loss tests. they're not too bad, but it is a LIT of blood to have taken, make sure you pack snacks and water to refuel afterwards!

in addition to the progesterone it would be good for you to have a SIS or HSG to see your uterus, a U/S to measure lining (if it's too thin it's an issue) and an endometrial biopsy to see if your endometrium is good.

[klt]

I'm really hoping everything goes well for you! G/L and let us know how it goes...KUP

[Momeejenjen]

Well I dont know much about the other tests but I had the progestrone done and I am going to get it done again this month b/c it was low.

That is done at 7dpo and you have to have started your period and of course the progestrone shows if you ovulated or not. If would read very low if you did not ovulate.

[Bakin8th]

I wanted to say good luck!

I had all those tests run after my last loss at 17w ( she was my 2nd loss at 17w)

I had neg results for everything.

[BabyBird]

That is the normal starting point for recurrent loss. I had the same tests done after my second loss and then more after my third. This is the list of tests I had:

after the second:
Lupus anticoagulant
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody test)
TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone)
anticardiolipin antibodies

after the third:
Immunology study (antipaternal antibodies)
Factor V Leiden
Protein S and Protein C
Prothrombin mutation
MTHFR