Echinococcus IgG Serology (Serum)
This test measures your body’s immune response to *Echinococcus* parasites, which can cause infections like hydatid disease. It helps detect past or current exposure to these parasites.
["This test checks for antibodies linked to parasitic infections that may affect organs like the liver or lungs."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 52982-6
- Short code
- Echinococcus IgG1 Ser IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Echinococcus IgG1 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or organ swelling, especially if you’ve traveled to regions where *Echinococcus* infections are common. It may also be used to monitor treatment progress or check for recurrence in people with known parasitic infections.
What to Expect During the Test
A small blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes. No special preparation is needed.
What the Results Mean
Positive results suggest past or current exposure to *Echinococcus* parasites. Negative results mean your body has not detected these antibodies at this time. Results alone do not diagnose a specific condition; they are used alongside clinical findings and other tests.
Common Causes of Positive Results
Positive results may occur after exposure to *Echinococcus* larvae (e.g., through contaminated food/water or contact with infected animals). Symptoms may develop months or years later, depending on the parasite’s location in your body.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Echinococcus IgG serology is primarily used to identify past or ongoing infections caused by *Echinococcus granulosus* or *Echinococcus multilocularis*. Elevated antibody levels may indicate hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis) or alveolar echinococcosis, which can cause significant organ damage if untreated. Early detection supports timely treatment and reduces complications.
Short name
IgG Antibody to Echinococcus
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What does a positive result mean for my health?
Can I have this test if I’ve already been treated for a parasitic infection?
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