Candida albicans antigen in serum/plasma by immunoassay
This test detects the presence of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that can cause infections, in your blood. It helps identify if you have a fungal infection caused by this yeast.
["This test can help diagnose infections that may require treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5075-7
- Short code
- CANDAG
- Synonyms
- C albicans Ag Titr Ser LA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacuum tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Critical range
- — – 128 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Latex Agglutination
- CPT
- 86628
- SNOMED
- 165-99004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C), 7 days at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C), and 30 days at frozen temperature (-20°C or below). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test measures specific antigens produced by *Candida albicans*, a common yeast found in healthy individuals but which can become harmful if it causes an infection. Antigens are molecules that can trigger an immune response. This test looks for these molecules in your blood to determine if an infection is present.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of a fungal infection, such as fever, fatigue, or unusual skin rashes, or if you have a weakened immune system (e.g., due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or long-term steroid use). It can also be used to monitor people at higher risk of fungal infections.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is tested for the presence of *Candida albicans* antigens using an immunoassay method. This method detects specific proteins (antigens) that the yeast releases when it’s multiplying or causing an infection.
What Are Common Results and Next Steps?
A positive result suggests that *Candida albicans* antigens are present in your blood, which may indicate an active infection. A negative result means the test did not detect these antigens, but this does not definitively rule out infection. Further testing or clinical evaluation may still be needed to confirm or rule out a fungal infection.
Reference range
Negative (Titer <1:4). Titer ≥1:4 suggests current or recent Candida albicans infection. Titers ≥1:8 are considered clinically significant and indicative of invasive candidiasis in immunocompromised patients.N/A
No special patient preparation is required prior to specimen collection. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida antigen test
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Possible Causes of Positive Results?
What If My Test Results Are Positive?
Can a Negative Test Result Mean I Don’t Have an Infection?
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