Candida Antigen (Serum) – Quantitative
This test measures the presence of antigens produced by *Candida* yeast in your blood. It helps detect infections caused by this common fungus, often in people with weakened immune systems or those at higher risk.
["Detects fungal infection early to guide treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27417-5
- Short code
- CANDIGA
- Synonyms
- Candida IgA Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top) or red-top clot tube; acceptable alternatives include plain vacuum tubes without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, ELISA)
- CPT
- 86628
- SNOMED
- 44546009
- Specimen volume
- 0.5 to 1.0 mL of serum (minimum 0.3 mL); whole blood collection typically requires 3 to 5 mL
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 8 hours, refrigerated at 2-8°C for 7 days, and frozen at -20°C or below for up to 30 days; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as this may degrade IgA immunoglobulins
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
The test looks for specific proteins (antigens) released by *Candida* yeast in your bloodstream. These antigens are produced when the fungus grows uncontrollably, which can occur in infections like candidiasis. The test is not specific to a particular type of *Candida* species but helps identify a fungal presence broadly.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, persistent mouth or throat sores, or signs of a systemic infection. It’s also used in people with conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which increase risk.
When Might Results Be Abnormal?
Positive results suggest a fungal infection, but they don’t always indicate the exact cause. False positives can occur, so further testing (like culture) may be needed. Negative results don’t rule out infection if symptoms persist.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect fungal antigens.
Reference range
Reference range varies by laboratory and assay manufacturer; typically reported as negative, equivocal, or positive with corresponding units/volume. Consult the performing laboratory's reference interval for clinical interpretation.N/A
No special patient preparation or fasting is required prior to specimen collection. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any current immunosuppressive therapy, recent antifungal treatment, or underlying immunocompromising conditions that may affect antibody production.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida Antigen Test
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I expect results?
Can I take anything before the test?
What if my results are positive?
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