Chlamydia Antibody Test (Qualitative Immunoassay)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to the Chlamydia bacterium, often linked to sexually transmitted infections.
["Helps identify past or current Chlamydia exposure, guiding potential treatment or further testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45106-2
- Short code
- CHLAGC
- Synonyms
- Chlamydia Ag Cvx Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Chlamydia transport medium or specific collection kit provided by testing laboratory
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- ≥ 12 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Enzyme Immunoassay/EIA)
- CPT
- 87320
- SNOMED
- 122587001
- Specimen volume
- Endocervical swab specimen collected using a sterile Dacron or rayon-tipped swab
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 24 hours; frozen (-70°C) for extended storage if immediate processing unavailable. Refer to specific transport medium manufacturer guidelines.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–48 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. While some people may not have symptoms, your body can develop antibodies to fight it. This test checks for these antibodies to determine if you’ve been exposed, even if symptoms haven’t appeared yet.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has detected Chlamydia antibodies, suggesting past exposure. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found at this time. Follow-up testing or treatment may be recommended based on your symptoms and medical history.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of Chlamydia (e.g., unusual discharge, pain during urination), if you’re sexually active and at risk, or if you’ve been exposed to the infection. It’s also used as part of routine screening for sexually transmitted infections.
Reference range
Negative: No Chlamydia sp. antigen detected; Positive: Chlamydia sp. antigen detectedN/A
Patient should avoid douching, vaginal creams, or spermicidal agents for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection. Specimen should be collected before antibiotic therapy initiation. Patient should not have urinated within 1-2 hours prior to cervical specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Chlamydia Antibody (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test detect an active infection?
How soon after exposure can I get tested?
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