Candida albicans IgG Antibody (Serum or Plasma)
This test measures the level of antibodies your immune system produces in response to a yeast called *Candida albicans*, which can sometimes cause infections.
["Helps assess immune response to *Candida* yeast, potentially identifying past exposure or mild systemic infection risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56204-1
- Short code
- CALBG4
- Synonyms
- C albicans IgG4-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86645
- SNOMED
- 122386001
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
IgG antibodies are part of your immune system’s long-term defense. If your body has encountered *Candida albicans* before, your immune system may produce these antibodies. This test checks for their presence in your blood, though it doesn’t always indicate an active infection.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent mouth or throat thrush, recurrent fungal infections, or if you’re immunocompromised (e.g., due to HIV, chemotherapy, or long-term steroids). It can also help monitor immune response in certain conditions.
Specimen and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is needed, but fasting may not be required unless your doctor specifies. The sample is tested for IgG antibodies using an immunoassay method.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has likely encountered *Candida albicans* at some point, but it doesn’t confirm an active infection. High levels may suggest past exposure or a weakened immune response. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Negative: <5 AU/mL; Equivocal: 5-10 AU/mL; Positive: >10 AU/mL (reference values may vary by laboratory)N/A
No special preparation required. Specimen should be collected before initiation of antifungal therapy when possible.
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?
Can this test detect an active Candida infection?
Is fasting required for this test?
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