Serum or Plasma Immunoassay for Anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (Qualitative)
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that your immune system makes in response to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
["Helps diagnose infections caused by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* when symptoms like cough or fever appear."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22208-3
- Short code
- C immitis Ab Titr Ser
- Synonyms
- C immitis Ab Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, or fever that don’t improve with standard antibiotics. It’s often used when other causes of respiratory illness are ruled out.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken, and the lab uses an immunoassay (a sensitive test that detects specific antibodies) to identify whether your blood contains antibodies against *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*. The result is qualitative, meaning it only tells you if antibodies are present (positive) or not (negative).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the injection site, but this usually fades quickly. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your immune system has likely been exposed to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* in the past or is currently fighting an infection. A negative result suggests no recent exposure or infection. Results alone don’t confirm a diagnosis—your doctor will consider symptoms and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infections in people who test negative for other common causes of respiratory illness (e.g., *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, *Chlamydophila pneumoniae*). It may also help monitor treatment response or rule out infection in complex cases.
Can this test be used for everyone? This test is most helpful for adults and children with persistent respiratory symptoms. It’s not typically used for routine screening in asymptomatic individuals.
Does this test replace other tests? No, this test is often used alongside other diagnostic tools (e.g., chest X-ray, culture tests) to confirm or rule out *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* 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