Chlamydia IgG and IgA Antibody Screening (Serum)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to *Chlamydia trachomatis*, a common bacterial infection often spread through sexual contact.
["This screening helps identify past or current infections that may not cause obvious symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5086-4
- Short code
- Chlamydia IgM Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Chlamydia IgM Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or if you’ve been exposed to *Chlamydia*. It’s also part of routine screening for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners or new partners. Women may get it as part of annual exams or during pregnancy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm in a clinic or lab. The test is quick and typically painless. Avoid alcohol or certain medications (like antibiotics) for 24 hours before testing if instructed by your provider.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate your body has produced antibodies against *Chlamydia*, suggesting past infection. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies, but *Chlamydia* could still be present without antibodies (e.g., if infection was recent). Follow-up testing or culture may be needed for confirmation.
Possible Side Effects
Minor bruising, soreness, or redness at the injection site may occur. Rarely, allergic reactions to the blood draw process can happen. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection (like fever), contact your provider immediately.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can cause serious health issues if untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, or complications during pregnancy. Early detection through antibody screening helps guide treatment and prevent complications. While antibodies indicate past exposure, they don’t always correlate with current infection status, so confirmatory testing may be required.
Short name
Chlamydia Antibody Screen (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I get treated if my test is positive?
Does this test detect active infection?
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