Detection of anti-phosphatidylethanolamine antibodies using flow cytometry

Abstract

Background: The finding that lupus anticoagulant (LA) is significantly associated with anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) activity has led to great interest in its relation to the clinical features of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Considerable variability has, however, been reported in the prevalence of anti-PE antibodies in APS patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology. The lack of standardization and differences in technique may in part explain these discrepancies. PE binds variably to different types of microtiter wells, reflected in the consequent detection, or lack of detection, of anti-PE antibodies. This study describes the use of flow cytometry as an..