Candida Antigen in Tissue by Immunohistochemistry (Qualitative)
This test detects the presence of Candida antigen in a tissue sample, often used to diagnose fungal infections in tissues like skin, organs, or other body areas.
["Helps diagnose fungal infections in tissues when other tests may not be conclusive."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48336-2
- Short code
- CANDAG
- Synonyms
- Candida Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile container with 10% neutral buffered formalin for tissue preservation
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- CPT
- 88342
- SNOMED
- 73761001
- Specimen volume
- Adequate tissue biopsy specimen (minimum 3-5 mm); formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block or unstained slides
- Stability
- Formalin-fixed tissue: stable indefinitely at room temperature. Paraffin-embedded blocks: stable indefinitely when stored properly. Fresh tissue should be processed within 24-48 hours of collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Used For?
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent skin rashes, unexplained organ inflammation, or signs of a fungal infection that doesn’t improve with standard treatments. It’s particularly useful for identifying Candida in areas where cultures or other tests may be less reliable, such as deep tissue infections or chronic skin conditions.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A small tissue sample is taken from the affected area, usually through a biopsy. The sample is then examined in a lab to look for Candida antigens, which are proteins produced by the fungus.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means Candida antigens were found in the tissue sample, suggesting an active fungal infection. This doesn’t always indicate the exact type of Candida or the severity of the infection, so further testing may be needed.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no Candida antigens were detected in the sample. However, it doesn’t rule out a fungal infection entirely, especially if the infection is mild or in a different part of the body.
Reference range
Negative: No Candida species antigen detected in tissue. Positive: Candida species antigen detected in tissue, consistent with Candida infection/tissue invasion.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen is a tissue biopsy, not a serum sample.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Candida Tissue Antigen (Qual)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor want to use this test?
What are the limitations of this test?
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