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What is the HLA-Vascular Biology Laboratory?
 The Vascular Biology Laboratory at St. Francis Hospital is internationally recognized for its research and clinical testing expertise in the evolving relationship between disease and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. These particular autoantibodies, which include anticardiolipin and a group designated as lupus anticoagulants, target many self-antigens and disrupt the normal functions involved with blood clotting. There is a growing concern among the medical community that certain antiphospholipid antibodies may cause strokes as well as other neurological and rheumatological problems. These antibodies often exist in the blood of Lupus patients and are detected in women who repeatedly miscarry pregnancies.
The majority of hospital laboratories use commercially available "kits" to test for the presence of these autoantibodies. The HLA-Vascular Biology Laboratory research studies have demonstrated that the "kits" available today cannot detect many of the antiphospholipid antibodies associated with disease. The St. Francis laboratory, because of its commitment to antiphospholipid antibody research, routinely conducts the more complex tests for the antiphospholipid antibodies that escape detection using "kits." The St. Francis comprehensive antiphospholipid antibody profiles are available to requesting physicians. Consultation and literature concerning test results are also available.
Licensure and Accreditation
The HLA-Vascular Biology Laboratory is accredited by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) for high complexity testing and by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Our Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) license permits intra- and interstate transit of blood samples.
The HLA-Vascular Biology Laboratory participates in the Proficiency Survey Programs of ASHI, CAP and the UCLA International Cell Exchange.
ASHI #: 02-4-IN-07-1 CAP #: 1677706
CLIA ID#: 15D0986138 CLIA ID #: 15D1007375
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