Antigen Detection for Candida (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the presence of antibodies in your blood that may indicate past exposure to certain types of yeast, specifically *Candida*, which can cause infections.
["This test helps assess potential past exposure to yeast infections but does not confirm an active infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7174-6
- Short code
- CANIGG
- Synonyms
- Candida IgG Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for detection of IgG antibodies against Candida species
- CPT
- 86628
- SNOMED
- 39521008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum is stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects IgG antibodies produced by your immune system in response to exposure to *Candida* antigens. These antibodies suggest your body has encountered the yeast at some point, though they do not indicate whether an infection is currently active. The method used is typically an immunoassay (IA), which identifies specific antibodies in your serum or plasma sample.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms suggestive of a past *Candida* exposure, such as chronic mucosal infections, recurrent fungal infections, or if you have a weakened immune system. It is not used to diagnose an active infection but may help guide management strategies for suspected past exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a blood draw at a clinic, hospital, or lab. If you are on blood-thinning medications, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
A positive result indicates the presence of IgG antibodies, suggesting past exposure to *Candida*. However, this does not confirm an active infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but this does not rule out past exposure entirely. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Results vary by laboratory and assay methodology. Generally, negative or low IgG titers are considered within normal limits; positive or elevated titers may indicate past or current Candida exposure/infection. Reference values are typically reported as negative, equivocal, or positive, or in arbitrary units (AU/mL) with assay-specific cutoffs.N/A
No special preparation required. Specimen collection can be performed at any time of day.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida IgG Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
This test is not a diagnostic tool for current infections. It is primarily used to assess immune response to *Candida* exposure, especially in individuals with a history of fungal infections or immune system conditions that increase susceptibility.
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I take anything before the blood draw?
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