Candida albicans Immunoassay (Qualitative) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the presence of antibodies to *Candida albicans*, a type of yeast commonly found in the mouth, gut, and skin. It helps identify if your immune system has recognized this fungus, which may indicate past exposure or infection.
["This test helps assess immune response to *Candida albicans* and may guide evaluation for fungal infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7172-0
- Short code
- CANDG
- Synonyms
- C albicans IgG Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube; sterile collection required
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
- CPT
- 86645
- SNOMED
- 40468006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0–2.0 mL of 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 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
The test detects *Candida albicans* antibodies in your blood, which your immune system produces in response to exposure to this yeast. These antibodies can appear after infection, colonization, or prior exposure, though they don’t always indicate an active infection.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms suggestive of fungal infections (e.g., persistent thrush, skin rashes, or recurrent infections), if you have a weakened immune system, or if you’ve been exposed to *Candida* in a clinical setting.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. You may feel slight discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few minutes.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your immune system has detected *Candida albicans* antibodies, but it doesn’t confirm an active infection. Results may vary depending on your health, prior exposures, and the presence of other infections.
Reference range
Reference values vary by laboratory and assay methodology. Generally, results are reported as negative, equivocal, or positive. Negative: < 0.9 (ratio or units as defined by performing laboratory); Positive: ≥ 1.1; Equivocal: 0.9–1.0. Consult the performing laboratory's reference range.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida albicans IgG Antibody (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my test results be positive if I don’t have an infection?
Can this test replace other diagnostic tests for fungal infections?
What if my test results are negative but I still have symptoms?
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