Antibody Screening for Candida (Serum)
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate an immune response to *Candida* fungi, often associated with infections like candidiasis.
["Helps identify possible fungal exposure or infection by detecting your body’s immune reaction."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26636-1
- Short code
- CANDAB
- Synonyms
- Candida Ab Ser Ql
- 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
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) for detection of Candida species antibodies
- CPT
- 86645
- SNOMED
- 122460008
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test detects specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to *Candida* antigens. These antibodies can appear if your body has encountered the fungus, though they don’t always mean an active infection is present. The method used is an immunoassay, which measures the presence of these antibodies in your serum sample.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent thrush, recurrent urinary tract infections, or other signs of fungal infection. It may also be used in patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to HIV, chemotherapy, or diabetes) who are at higher risk for *Candida* infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw if your lab requires it. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to rest for a few minutes afterward, as you might feel lightheaded during the draw.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample. You may feel a brief pinch, but the procedure usually takes only a few minutes. You’ll be asked to sit or lie down while the blood is drawn.
Reference range
Negative (antibodies not detected). Positive results indicate exposure to Candida species. Titer interpretation may vary by laboratory.N/A
No special preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
When might I see this test ordered?
What does a positive result mean?
Do I need to do anything special if I have a positive result?
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