Candida albicans IgG Antibody (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures your immune system’s response to *Candida albicans*, a type of yeast that can cause infections, often in the mouth, throat, or other parts of the body.
["It helps identify if your body has produced antibodies against this yeast, which may suggest past exposure or possible infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102928-9
- Short code
- CANDIGG4
- Synonyms
- C albicans IgG4 RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube without anticoagulant. Plasma (EDTA or heparin) is generally not recommended for RAST methodology.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) for detection of IgG4-specific antibodies against Candida albicans antigens in serum using radioimmunoassay principles with allergen-coupled solid-phase substrates.
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39513008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0–2.0 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL). Pediatric microtainer collection is acceptable when sample volume is limited.
- Stability
- Serum is stable at room temperature (20–25°C) for up to 8 hours; refrigerated at 2–8°C for up to 7 days; frozen at -20°C or below for long-term storage up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as immunoglobulin degradation may occur.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects the presence of *IgG antibodies*—a type of protein your immune system makes in response to *Candida albicans*. These antibodies indicate your body has encountered the yeast before, which could mean you’ve had an infection or exposure in the past. This test is not used to diagnose an active infection but may help assess immune response or monitor conditions like chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of a *Candida* infection (such as persistent thrush, skin rashes, or recurrent infections) or if you have a weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV, chemotherapy, or other conditions). It can also be used in research or screening for certain immune-related conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (either serum or plasma) via a simple venipuncture. The test is typically done in a lab and results may take a few days to a week, depending on your lab’s schedule.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has produced IgG antibodies against *Candida albicans*, suggesting prior exposure. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found. However, a negative result does not rule out past exposure or current infection—other tests may be needed for diagnosis.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.35–0.69 kU/L; Positive: 0.70–3.50 kU/L; Strongly Positive: >3.50 kU/L. Reference ranges are established by individual laboratories based on assay-specific calibrators; consult the performing laboratory's reference interval.N/A
No special preparation or fasting is required prior to specimen collection. Patients should continue their usual medications unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. Inform the laboratory of any immunosuppressive therapy, recent antifungal treatment, or immunoglobulin administration as these may influence IgG4 antibody levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
IgG Antibody to *Candida albicans*
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
Can this test replace an active infection diagnosis?
What if my results are positive?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy