Candida albicans Immunoassay (Qualitative) – Serum/Plasma
This test detects antibodies in your blood that may indicate a past or current infection with *Candida albicans*, a type of yeast commonly found in the mouth, gut, or skin. It helps identify if your immune system has responded to this fungus.
["This test helps assess potential fungal infection exposure and immune response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13216-7
- Short code
- CANDIC
- Synonyms
- C albicans Immune Cmplx Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- CPT
- 86148
- SNOMED
- 419911002
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent mouth sores, unusual vaginal discharge, or skin rashes that could suggest fungal infection. It may also be used in patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to chemotherapy, HIV, or organ transplants) who are at higher risk for fungal infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Measures
This test measures the presence of antibodies (immunoglobulins) against *Candida albicans* in your serum or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces in response to infection.
How the Results Are Interpreted
Results are qualitative (positive or negative). A positive result suggests your immune system has detected *Candida albicans* antibodies, which may indicate past exposure or a current immune response. However, a negative result does not rule out infection, especially if symptoms persist.
Reference range
Negative or undetectable levels in healthy individuals; positive results suggest immune complex formation with Candida albicans antigensN/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary for this test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Candida albicans Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Can This Test Detect Active 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy