Candida Antigen in Serum (Quantitative)
This test measures the presence of fungal antigens from *Candida* species in your blood serum, helping detect infections caused by yeast like *Candida albicans*.
["Detects yeast infections early with a simple blood test."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9500-0
- Short code
- CANDM
- Synonyms
- Candida IgM Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 9
- Ref high
- 11
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for detection of IgM antibodies
- CPT
- 86645
- SNOMED
- 122216009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature for 8 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen (-20°C or below) for up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test identifies specific antigens produced by *Candida* yeast organisms, which may be released into your bloodstream when an infection is present. This is different from blood cultures, which look for live yeast cells.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, mouth sores, or persistent thrush, especially if you have a weakened immune system, recent surgery, or a history of long-term medical conditions.
Who Should Consider This Test?
People at higher risk of *Candida* infections, such as those with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing chemotherapy, may benefit from this test. It’s also used in patients with unexplained fevers or infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort.
Reference range
Negative: < 9 U/mL; Equivocal: 9-11 U/mL; Positive: > 11 U/mL. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and assay manufacturer.N/A
No special preparation required. Sample can be collected at any time of day.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Candida Antigen Test
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this test?
Can false positives or negatives occur?
When would this test be repeated?
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