Coccidioides antibody serology (qualitative, serum/plasma)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to *Coccidioides* (a fungal infection). It helps identify if you’ve been exposed to the fungus, which can cause illness ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to serious lung or other organ infections.
["This test helps assess exposure to a fungal infection that may require medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111434-7
- Short code
- Coccidioides Ab Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- Coccidioides Ab Msmt 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like cough, fever, or fatigue, or if you’ve lived or traveled in areas where *Coccidioides* is common (e.g., parts of the southwestern U.S., Central/South America). It may also be used to monitor people at higher risk, such as those with weakened immune systems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (usually drawn from your arm) in a lab. The test checks for antibodies in your serum or plasma, which develop after exposure to the fungus.
How the Test Works
The test uses an immunoassay method to detect specific antibodies against *Coccidioides* in your blood. If antibodies are present, they indicate past or current infection, though they don’t always correlate with active illness.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has produced antibodies to *Coccidioides*, suggesting exposure. However, this doesn’t always mean you’re currently sick. A negative result means no detectable antibodies, but you may still have been exposed without symptoms or the antibodies may not have developed yet.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is primarily used for screening or confirming exposure to *Coccidioides*, which can cause conditions like coccidioidomycosis. While antibodies indicate past or potential exposure, active disease is diagnosed through clinical symptoms, imaging, or other tests. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Short name
Coccidioides Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
Can I get false positives or negatives?
How long does it take to get results?
Does this test show if I currently have an 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