Chlamydia psittaci IgG Antibody (Serum)
This test measures your immune system’s response to *Chlamydia psittaci*, a bacterium linked to psittacosis—a rare but serious respiratory illness often contracted from birds or contaminated environments.
["Detects past exposure to the bacterium that may cause illness in birds or humans."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51808-4
- Short code
- C psittaci IgG Ser IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- C psittaci IgG Ser IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 Matters
Your doctor may order this test if you’ve had contact with birds, symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue, or if you live in an area with known outbreaks. It helps confirm if your body has developed antibodies against *Chlamydia psittaci*, which could indicate exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (usually from your arm) in a clean tube. The sample is sent to a lab for testing. Results may take several days to weeks, depending on your healthcare provider’s process.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your immune system has likely encountered *Chlamydia psittaci* in the past. A negative result suggests no detectable antibodies, meaning either no exposure or too early for antibodies to develop. Always discuss results with your doctor.
Common Causes of Exposure
Exposure often occurs through inhaling contaminated dust (e.g., from bird droppings) or direct contact with infected birds. Occupations like poultry farming, pet bird ownership, or exposure to contaminated environments (e.g., farms, zoos) increase risk.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
While this test identifies past exposure, it does not diagnose active infection. Symptoms of psittacosis (e.g., pneumonia, flu-like illness) may require additional testing (e.g., PCR or culture) for confirmation. Early treatment with antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) can prevent complications.
Short name
IgG Antibody to Chlamydia psittaci
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I get this test if I’m pregnant?
What if my test is positive?
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