IgG Antibody to *Anisakis* (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the level of IgG antibodies in your blood to detect exposure to the parasitic worm *Anisakis*. IgG antibodies develop after an infection has resolved.
["This test helps identify past exposure to *Anisakis*, a parasite found in raw or undercooked seafood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97957-5
- Short code
- ANISIGG4
- Synonyms
- Anisakis IgG4-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.35
- Ref high
- 0.69
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 83520 (Immunoassay for analyte other than infectious agent antibody, quantitative)
- SNOMED
- 413980008 (Anisakis species antibody measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
IgG antibodies are a type of immune protein your body produces in response to an infection. If you have been exposed to *Anisakis*, your immune system may have created these antibodies. This test checks for their presence in your blood, typically after the infection has cleared.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test if you’ve had symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting after eating raw or undercooked seafood, or if you’ve been diagnosed with *Anisakis* infection in the past.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result suggests you’ve likely been exposed to *Anisakis* at some point, but it does not confirm an active infection. This test is often used to rule out past exposure rather than diagnose current illness.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means your body does not currently have detectable IgG antibodies to *Anisakis*, so no evidence of past exposure was found in this test. However, exposure could have occurred earlier without symptoms.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 U/mL; Equivocal: 0.35-0.69 U/mL; Positive: ≥0.70 U/mL (values vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer)N/A
No fasting required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any recent consumption of raw or undercooked fish/seafood and any history of gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of anisakiasis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Anisakis IgG
Frequently asked questions
This test is not used to diagnose an active *Anisakis* infection. If you suspect symptoms like abdominal pain or allergic reactions after eating seafood, see your doctor for further evaluation, which may include imaging or other tests.
How is this test done?
How soon will I get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy