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Date of Infection and Hospitalization Timeline Assessment (Serum/Plasma Antibody Profile)

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

This test evaluates markers from serum or plasma to help track when an infection occurred and how your body responded to it during hospitalization.

Quick summary

This test helps doctors understand infection timing and immune response during your stay.

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
71474-1
Short code
DATEOFINFECTIONHOSPITALIZATION
Synonyms
—
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
esrd
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 analyzes specific antibodies or immune markers in your blood, which can indicate the presence and duration of an infection. These markers may include substances like IgG, IgM, or other immune proteins that change over time as your body fights illness.

Why It’s Done During Hospitalization

Hospitals may use this test to confirm when you first became infected, assess how well your immune system responded to treatment, or monitor for complications tied to infection. It helps doctors tailor care to your specific timeline of illness.

How It Works

Blood is drawn and tested for immune markers that reflect infection history. Results compare current levels to expected patterns of recovery, often using qualitative or semi-quantitative methods to estimate timing.

What to Expect

You’ll have a simple blood draw, and results may take days to weeks to interpret. Doctors will review them alongside your medical history and symptoms to guide treatment decisions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test helps identify gaps in infection diagnosis (e.g., missed early symptoms) or confirm delayed responses to treatment. It may also reveal chronic infections or immune dysfunction linked to hospitalization.

Short name

None

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor order this test?
Your doctor may request this test if they suspect an infection occurred outside typical symptom onset or if you had unusual complications during hospitalization.
What do the results mean?
Results show whether immune markers align with expected infection timelines. Highlighted discrepancies may indicate delayed diagnosis, immune suppression, or lingering infection.
Can I influence the test results?
No, this is a passive test of your immune response. However, your overall health and treatment (e.g., antibiotics) may indirectly affect marker levels.
  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