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Coccidioides IgG Antibody, Serum (Qualitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to exposure to *Coccidioides* fungi, which can cause infections like coccidioidomycosis.

Quick summary

["This test helps identify past or ongoing exposure to the fungus that causes Valley fever."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
41156-1
Short code
Coccidioides IgG Spec Ql
Synonyms
Coccidioides IgG Spec Ql
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 Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve lived in or traveled to areas with high risk for *Coccidioides* exposure (e.g., parts of the southwestern U.S., Central/South America) or if you have symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue that could be linked to infection.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for antibody detection.

What the Test Measures

The test looks for IgG antibodies, which develop after your body has been exposed to the fungus. These antibodies don’t always appear immediately but may stay in your system for years.

Possible Results and Next Steps

A positive result suggests past exposure or infection, but it doesn’t always mean you’re currently sick. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found at this time.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive IgG result often indicates you’ve had exposure to *Coccidioides* at some point, even if you’re not currently symptomatic. It doesn’t confirm active disease but may guide further testing (like IgA or culture) if needed. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, which could mean you’ve never been exposed or the test was taken too early after exposure.

Short name

Coccidioides IgG Antibody (IgG Antibody to Coccidioides)

Frequently asked questions

When Might I Need Follow-Up Testing?
If your results are positive, your provider may recommend additional tests (like IgA antibodies or fungal cultures) to check for active infection or guide treatment decisions.
Could This Test Show False Positives?
Rarely, other conditions or medications might cause false positives, but this is uncommon. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
How Long Do Antibodies Stay in My System?
IgG antibodies from *Coccidioides* exposure can remain detectable for years or even decades after initial infection, depending on your immune response and exposure history.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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