Chlamydia psittaci IgG Antibody (Serum)
This test measures the level of antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria that can cause infections in birds and sometimes spread to humans through contact with contaminated bird droppings or dust.
["It helps detect past or current exposure to the bacteria that may cause psittacosis, a respiratory illness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43868-9
- Short code
- C psittaci IgG Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- C psittaci IgG Ser 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 have symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, especially if you’ve had contact with birds, bird droppings, or bird feathers. It may also be used in cases of suspected psittacosis, particularly in people who work with birds or live in areas with known bird populations.
What to Expect During the Test
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing. Results are typically available within a few days.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of antibodies, suggesting past or recent exposure to Chlamydia psittaci. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found. However, a single test may not always confirm a diagnosis, and your provider may recommend additional testing or follow-up.
Possible Causes of Positive Results
A positive result could be due to exposure to birds or contaminated environments, but it doesn’t always mean you’re currently ill. Other conditions or infections may also produce similar antibody responses.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to identify exposure to Chlamydia psittaci, which can lead to psittacosis—a respiratory illness that can cause flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, or more severe complications in some cases. Early detection can help guide treatment and prevent potential spread of the infection.
Short name
IgG Antibody to Chlamydia psittaci
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be used to diagnose psittacosis directly?
How long does it take to get results?
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