Chlamydia Antibody, Qualitative (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to *Chlamydia trachomatis*, a bacterium that can cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It helps identify past or current infections.
["This test checks for signs your body made to fight a chlamydia infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45108-8
- Short code
- CHLAGC
- Synonyms
- Chlamydia Ag Cvx Ql IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile Dacron or rayon swab in viral transport medium or specific Chlamydia transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- 13–99 years
- Method
- Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA)
- CPT
- 87270
- SNOMED
- 310861008
- Specimen volume
- Adequate endocervical cellular material collected on swab
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C; stable for up to 24 hours. For prolonged storage, freeze at -70°C.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–48 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test looks for specific antibodies in your blood or plasma. These antibodies are your immune system’s response to *Chlamydia trachomatis*. If present, they suggest you may have been exposed to the bacteria, even if you don’t currently have symptoms.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of an STI (like unusual discharge, pain during urination, or pelvic pain), if you’ve been diagnosed with another STI, or as part of routine screening for sexually active individuals at higher risk.
How It Works
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then tested using an immunoassay method to detect antibodies against chlamydia. Results are qualitative (positive or negative) rather than quantifying antibody levels.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has produced antibodies against chlamydia, indicating past or possible current infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but this doesn’t rule out past infection without further testing.
Reference range
Negative for Chlamydia species antigenN/A
Patient should avoid douching, vaginal creams, or sexual intercourse for 24 hours prior to specimen collection. Specimen should be collected before antibiotic therapy is initiated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Chlamydia Antibody Test (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
Can this test detect active chlamydia infection?
How soon after exposure can I expect a positive result?
Does this test require fasting?
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