Lupus anticoagulants (LA) are heterogeneous autoantibodies of the IgG and IgM type directly directed against a variety of anionic phospholipids such as cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylinositol or against proteins having the capacity to bind to phospholipids such as β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI).

The presence of LA is primarily detected using sensitive in vitro assays using phospholipids, such as TCA ( Activated cephalin) or dRVVT. They have the in vitro capacity to prolong phospholipid-dependent clotting times but are most often associated with thrombotic complications in vivo (venous or arterial thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and fetal losses) and do not predispose to a risk of bleeding.
DRVVT is routinely used in screening for LA. It is considered specific and robust.