Candida albicans IgG Antibody (Serum)
This test measures your immune system’s response to a yeast called Candida albicans, which can sometimes cause infections.
["Assesses your body’s reaction to a common fungal infection risk factor."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56156-3
- Short code
- CANDPAN
- Synonyms
- C albicans IgA+IgG+IgM Pnl Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.9
- Ref high
- 1.1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of Candida albicans-specific IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies
- CPT
- 86628
- SNOMED
- 122548003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms of a fungal infection (like persistent thrush, skin rashes, or recurrent infections), a weakened immune system, or if you’re at higher risk due to conditions like diabetes, HIV, or recent antibiotic use. It can also help monitor long-term exposure to Candida in certain chronic health situations.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn to detect antibodies (IgG) your immune system produces in response to Candida albicans. These antibodies indicate past exposure or an ongoing immune reaction to the yeast.
What the Results Mean
A positive result suggests your body has encountered Candida albicans, but it doesn’t confirm an active infection. High levels may indicate a history of exposure or a chronic immune response. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used alongside other diagnostic tools (like cultures) to evaluate suspected fungal infections, assess immune function, or monitor conditions where Candida is a concern, such as invasive candidiasis or chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Reference range
Negative: <0.9 (IgA), <0.9 (IgG), <0.9 (IgM); Equivocal: 0.9-1.1 for each isotype; Positive: >1.1 for each isotype. Results are reported qualitatively (Negative, Equivocal, Positive) for each antibody class. Reference values may vary by manufacturer; interpret in clinical context.N/A
No fasting required. Patients on antifungal therapy may have altered antibody levels. Inform the laboratory of any immunosuppression, recent infections, or vaccination history. Avoid collection during active systemic antifungal treatment if monitoring seroconversion.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgG Antibody to Candida albicans
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Why might my doctor order this test?
Can this test replace a fungal culture?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy