Candida Antigen Quantitative (Serum)
This test measures the presence of antigens from *Candida* fungi in your blood, helping detect infections caused by yeast like *Candida albicans* or other species.
["This test helps identify yeast infections in your bloodstream, which can occur with weakened immune systems or after certain medical procedures."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31760-2
- Short code
- CANDAG
- Synonyms
- Candida Ag Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top clot tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or latex agglutination for detection of Candida antigen in serum
- CPT
- 87449
- SNOMED
- 165725005
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C), 7 days at 2-8°C (refrigerated), and up to 30 days at -20°C or below (frozen). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained infections, especially if you have conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or recent surgery that weaken your immune system. It’s also used to monitor people with prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can disrupt normal gut yeast balance.
How the Test Works
The test uses a blood sample to detect specific antigens produced by *Candida* yeast. The method typically involves an immunoassay (like fluorescence or chemiluminescence) to measure these antigens precisely.
Sample Collection
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s processed to extract the serum for testing.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but inform your provider about any medications (especially antibiotics) or recent illnesses that might affect results.
Reference range
Negative: Candida antigen not detected; Positive: titer ≥1:8 or as defined by laboratory; results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings and culture resultsN/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of antifungal therapy when possible, as antifungal treatment may affect antigen detection. Inform the laboratory of any recent antibiotic or antifungal use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida Antigen Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a positive result mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test?
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