The ongoing research and scientific debate on pathophysiology, classification, nomenclature and diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome illustrates the complexity of cellular membranes, their dynamic interplay with various components in circulating blood, and often tenuous balance between normal hemostasis and thrombosis. This main objective of this lecture is to succinctly identify the features of normal vs. pathological coagulation, and to familiarize the audience with the inextricable, and ever-evolving role of laboratory in diagnostic process of antiphospholipid syndrome.       
 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the physiological role of phospholipids in normal hemostasis.
2. Identify a few proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for thrombosis in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
3. Be familiar with the current diagnostic criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome ( APS).
4. Laboratory detection of antiphospholipid antibodies and future directions.