Chlamydia psittaci IgG antibody (serum/plasma) by immunoassay
This test detects antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to *Chlamydia psittaci*, a bacterium linked to psittacosis—a rare but serious respiratory illness often spread by birds or contaminated environments.
["This test helps identify past or potential exposure to the bacterium causing psittacosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27404-3
- Short code
- C psittaci IgM Titr CSF IF
- Synonyms
- C psittaci IgM Titr CSF IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test measures **IgG antibodies** against *Chlamydia psittaci*, a type of immune protein your body makes after exposure to the bacterium. IgG antibodies remain in your blood for years, even after infection has cleared, so this test is useful for detecting past exposure rather than active infection.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve had symptoms like fever, cough, or respiratory issues—especially if you’ve been exposed to birds, contaminated water, or other potential sources of the bacterium. It’s also used in research or occupational health settings where exposure risks are higher.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result suggests your body has likely encountered *Chlamydia psittaci* at some point, meaning you may have had an infection (even if symptoms were mild or absent). However, this does not confirm an active infection today—it only indicates prior exposure.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means your blood currently lacks detectable IgG antibodies to *Chlamydia psittaci*, so no evidence of past exposure is found at this time. However, exposure could have been recent or very brief, or you may never have been exposed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
While this test is primarily for detecting past exposure, it plays a role in epidemiological studies, occupational health monitoring (e.g., for bird handlers or lab workers), and confirming suspected psittacosis cases in complex diagnostic scenarios. It’s not a direct diagnostic tool for active infection, which would require clinical correlation with symptoms and possibly additional tests.
Short name
IgG Antibody to Chlamydia psittaci
Frequently asked questions
Could this test be used to diagnose an active infection?
How long after exposure might I get a positive result?
Is this test the same as a COVID-19 antibody test?
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