Candida Antigen in Serum (Quantitative)
This test measures the presence of fungal antigens from *Candida* species in your blood serum, which can help detect an active *Candida* infection.
["This test helps identify fungal infections that may require treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110039-5
- Short code
- CANDAB
- Synonyms
- Candida Ab Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for detection of IgG antibodies against Candida species
- CPT
- 86644
- SNOMED
- 33548009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 30 days. 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 healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, or unusual infections, especially if you have a weakened immune system (e.g., from HIV, chemotherapy, or long-term steroid use). It may also be used to monitor people at higher risk of *Candida* infections, such as those with diabetes, kidney disease, or recent surgeries.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
A positive result suggests the presence of *Candida* antigens in your blood, which may indicate an active fungal infection. A negative result means no detectable antigens were found, but it doesn’t rule out infection entirely—other tests may be needed for confirmation.
Common Causes of Positive Results
Positive results can occur in infections caused by *Candida* species (e.g., *Candida albicans*), especially in people with compromised immune systems. It may also appear in rare cases of systemic fungal spread.
Reference range
Negative: <1:160 titer or <10 U/mL (method dependent); Positive: ≥1:160 titer or ≥10 U/mL. Reference values vary by laboratory and assay methodology.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 Ag Serum
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can false positives occur?
How soon will I get my results?
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