Candida Antigen Quantitative Serum
This test measures the presence of a specific protein produced by certain types of yeast, often used to detect infections caused by *Candida* (e.g., *Candida albicans*).
["Helps diagnose serious yeast infections in the blood, guiding treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109175-0
- Short code
- CANDM
- Synonyms
- Candida IgM Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.9
- Ref high
- 1.1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA) for detection of Candida species IgM antibodies
- CPT
- 86645
- SNOMED
- 1221000175109
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
The test detects *Candida* antigens in your serum, which are fragments of the yeast’s cell wall. These fragments appear when *Candida* grows uncontrollably, often in immunocompromised individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, or unexplained infections, especially if you have conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or a recent transplant that weaken your immune system.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The serum portion is then tested for the presence of *Candida* antigens using a sensitive immunoassay method.
What Are Possible Results?
A positive result indicates a likely *Candida* infection, while a negative result suggests no detectable antigen. Results alone may not confirm infection without clinical correlation.
Reference range
Negative: <0.9 index; Equivocal: 0.9-1.1 index; Positive: >1.1 index. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests.N/A
No special preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of antifungal therapy when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida Blood Test (Quantitative)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How soon can I expect results?
Can I take anything before the 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