Chlamydia psittaci antibody, serum/plasma (qualitative immunoassay)
This test detects antibodies to *Chlamydia psittaci*, a bacterium linked to psittacosis—a respiratory illness primarily affecting birds but occasionally spreading to humans through contact with infected bird droppings or feathers.
["This screening helps identify past or current exposure to the bacteria causing psittacosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20754-8
- Short code
- C psittaci Ab Ser Ql CF
- Synonyms
- C psittaci Ab Ser Ql 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
What This Test Measures
The test looks for specific antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to *Chlamydia psittaci*. If these antibodies are present, it suggests you may have been exposed to the bacteria at some point, though active infection may not always be detected by this alone.
Why It Matters for You
While this screening doesn’t confirm a current infection, it can guide further testing or precautions if exposure is suspected—especially if you’ve had contact with birds or bird-related materials.
When You Might Need This Test
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had recent contact with birds (e.g., parrots, cockatiels, or other pet birds), symptoms like fever, cough, or respiratory distress, or if you live in an area with known psittacosis outbreaks.
What to Expect During Testing
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The test is typically done in a lab and may take a few days to return results. No special preparation is needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate past exposure but do not always mean active infection. If symptoms develop after exposure, additional testing (e.g., PCR or culture) may be needed to confirm current infection. Antibody levels can decline over time, so repeated testing may not be reliable for monitoring.
Short name
Psittacosis antibody screen
Frequently asked questions
Could this test show a current infection?
What if my test is positive?
How long do results take?
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