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E. coli-specific antibody probe (serum/plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test detects the presence of antibodies in your blood that may have developed in response to infection by *Escherichia coli* (E. coli), a common bacteria often linked to urinary tract infections or foodborne illnesses.

Quick summary

["It helps identify if your immune system has recognized and fought off E. coli bacteria."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
106554-9
Short code
E coli SXT DNA Stl Ql NAA+probe
Synonyms
E coli SXT DNA Stl Ql NAA+probe
Category
chemistry
Sample
stool
Container
Clean container
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
probe-amp-tar
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 g
Stability
Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, fever, or unexplained infections. It’s also used in certain diagnostic evaluations for recurrent infections or when investigating possible food poisoning.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed. You may provide a blood sample (serum or plasma) during a routine clinic visit. If you’re being tested for urinary tract infections, a urine sample might be used instead.

What the Results Mean

Positive results suggest your immune system has detected E. coli antibodies, which could indicate past infection or exposure. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found in this test. Results alone don’t confirm active infection; they may prompt further testing.

Common Causes of Positive Results

Positive results are most common after an E. coli infection, such as those causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), food poisoning, or other gastrointestinal illnesses. Rarely, false positives may occur due to cross-reactivity with other bacteria or prior exposure.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: stool

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

E. coli Antibody Test (Screening)

Frequently asked questions

How does this test help doctors?
This screening test helps identify potential past exposure to E. coli, which can guide further diagnostic workups (e.g., urine cultures) or treatment decisions. It’s particularly useful for patients with recurrent infections or those at higher risk (e.g., pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals).
What does a positive result mean for my health?
A positive result doesn’t confirm an active infection but may signal a history of E. coli exposure. Your doctor will likely order additional tests (like urine cultures) to determine if you have an ongoing infection or other conditions requiring treatment.
Can I get this test at home?
No, this test is typically performed in a clinical lab setting using a blood or urine sample collected by a healthcare provider. Home testing kits for E. coli antibodies are not standard in medical practice.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy