Coccidioides antibody titer (serum/plasma)
This test measures the level of antibodies your body produces in response to *Coccidioides* (a fungal infection). Antibodies help your immune system identify and fight the infection.
["Helps diagnose or monitor coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection spread through the air in certain regions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97858-5
- Short code
- Coccidioides Ab Titr Spec CF
- Synonyms
- Coccidioides Ab Titr Spec CF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- 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
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, cough, chest pain, or fatigue—especially if you live in or traveled to areas with high fungal exposure, such as parts of the southwestern U.S., Central/South America, or Australia. It’s also used to check if treatment for an existing infection is working or if you’ve been exposed but don’t yet show signs of illness.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (usually drawn from your arm) in a serum or plasma tube. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting.
What the Results Mean
Results show whether you have detectable antibodies against *Coccidioides*. A positive result suggests past or current infection, but it doesn’t always indicate active disease. Your doctor will interpret the result in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effect is mild bruising, redness, or soreness at the injection site. Rarely, you might feel lightheaded or experience a small blood clot at the needle site.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing coccidioidomycosis, a fungal infection caused by *Coccidioides immitis* or *Coccidioides posadasii*. Antibody levels can rise after exposure but may take weeks to months to develop. While antibodies indicate exposure, they don’t always correlate with active disease. Doctors use the test alongside clinical findings to guide treatment, especially for high-risk patients (e.g., those with weakened immune systems or lung conditions).
Short name
Coccidioides IgG/IgA antibody test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I get this test if I’ve already been treated for coccidioidomycosis?
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