The antiphospholipid syndrome: diagnosis, pathogenesis, laboratory testing, and management

Welcome to the latest issue of Seminars in Thrombosis & Hemostasis, which is being devoted to the antiphospholipid (antibody) syndrome (APS), and covering its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, management, and diagnosis (including laboratory testing). The history of APS as a clinically recognized entity goes back several decades.[1] [2] Now, some 30 years later, APS remains a challenge for both laboratory workers and clinicians in a wide range of specialities.[3] [4] In addition to the presence of appropriate clinical features, the diagnosis of APS also fundamentally requires the finding of positive antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) test result(s).[3] [4] [5] Testing for aPL comprises clot-based assays for the identification of lupus anticoagulant (LA)[4] [6] as well as various immunological assays (sometimes called “solid-phase” assays).[4] [5] [6]