Candida Antigen Quantitative in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the presence of fungal antigens from *Candida* species in your blood. It helps detect active infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
["This test may help identify *Candida* infections before symptoms appear or when other tests are inconclusive."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110042-9
- Short code
- CANDAG
- Synonyms
- Candida Ag Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.05
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
- CPT
- 87449
- SNOMED
- 122548005
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 48 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects specific antigens produced by *Candida* yeasts in your bloodstream. These antigens are fragments of the fungal cell wall that the immune system can recognize. The test quantifies their concentration to assess infection levels.
Why It’s Used
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, or organ dysfunction (e.g., kidneys, lungs) and risk factors for *Candida* infections, such as weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy), recent surgeries, or long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Sample Collection
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate serum or plasma, which is then tested for fungal antigens. This is typically done in a lab using immunoassay methods.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your doctor about any medications (e.g., antibiotics, steroids) or recent illnesses that might affect results.
Reference range
Negative: <0.05 (index) or <5 pg/mL; Equivocal: 0.05-0.10; Positive: >0.10. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic procedures.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed that this test detects Candida antigen and may be repeated for monitoring. Avoid hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric specimens as they may interfere with assay performance.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing *Candida* infections in high-risk patients, particularly when cultures or other tests are negative or inconclusive. Early detection can guide treatment decisions, such as antifungal medications, to prevent complications like organ damage or sepsis.
Short name
Candida Antigen Test
Frequently asked questions
When might I get a positive result?
What does a high or low result mean?
Can this test be done at home?
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