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Candida albicans antibody, serum/plasma (qualitative or semi-quantitative immunoassay)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate a past or current infection with *Candida albicans*, a type of yeast commonly found in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Antibodies suggest your immune system has responded to this fungus.

Quick summary

["Helps identify possible past infections or immune response to *Candida albicans* without confirming active infection."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
22162-2
Short code
CANDAB
Synonyms
C albicans Ab Ser Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacuum tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for detection of antibodies against Candida albicans
CPT
86628
SNOMED
31371003
Specimen volume
1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
Stability
Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
2
Lipemia max
3
Icterus max
2
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

This test detects the presence of antibodies (immunoglobulins) produced by your immune system in response to *Candida albicans*. Antibodies are proteins that your body makes to fight infections. If you have had exposure to this yeast in the past, your immune system may have created these antibodies. However, antibodies alone do not confirm an active infection—other tests would be needed for that.

Why It Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like oral thrush, persistent yeast infections, or if you’re at higher risk for fungal infections (e.g., due to weakened immunity, diabetes, or recent antibiotics). It can also be used to monitor immune response in certain conditions.

How the Test Works

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The serum or plasma is then tested using an immunoassay method (such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA). This method detects specific antibodies against *Candida albicans* if they are present in your blood.

Sample Collection and Preparation

Blood is collected in a tube that separates serum (liquid part of blood) or plasma (liquid part after clotting factors are removed). The sample is then processed and analyzed in a lab to identify antibody presence.

Reference range

Negative: No detectable Candida albicans antibodies. Positive: Presence of IgG or IgM antibodies indicating past or current exposure/infection.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Positive results suggest a past exposure or immune response to *Candida albicans*, but they do not confirm an active infection. Active infections are usually diagnosed through other tests, such as fungal cultures or microscopy. This test can be useful for monitoring immune function or assessing exposure in certain clinical scenarios, but it is not a standalone diagnostic tool for current infections.

Short name

Candida Antibody (Serum/Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means your immune system has likely encountered *Candida albicans* before, creating antibodies to fight it. This could be from past infections, exposure, or even colonization (without symptoms). It does not indicate an active infection unless combined with other findings.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means your immune system did not produce detectable antibodies against *Candida albicans* at the time of testing. This could mean you’ve never been exposed, or your immune system hasn’t mounted an antibody response yet.
Can This Test Be Used to Diagnose an Active Infection?
No, this test alone cannot diagnose an active *Candida albicans* infection. It only shows if your body has made antibodies to the yeast. For diagnosing active infections, your doctor may order additional tests like fungal cultures or imaging studies.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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