What is the definition or description of: lupus anticoagulant?

LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT: This test is checked as part of a work up for a clotting disorder called the anti-phospholipid anti-body syndrome. If is sensitive which means that it can be positive in other conditions too such as infections. Like all blood tests, it needs to be interpreted in the context of the patients symptoms. It can be falsely positive if the person is on an anti-coagulant such as Coumadin (warfarin) or lovenox.

Poorly Named Test: If your "lupus anticoagulant" test is positive, it indicates that your blood may clot more easily than it should (long story on the reason for the backwards name). It is important to know that this is only one of several tests for abnormal clotting that a person with an autoimmune disease should have done.