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Fluorescent Immunoassay for Anti-Fluoroquinolone Antibodies in Serum/Plasma

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

This test measures the presence of antibodies against fluoroquinolone antibiotics in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes in response to certain substances, including medications.

Quick summary

["Helps assess if your body has developed immunity to fluoroquinolone antibiotics after exposure."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
6438-6
Short code
FLUAV+FLUBV Ag Spec Ql IF
Synonyms
FLUAV+FLUBV Ag Spec Ql IF
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
if
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 order this test if you’ve been exposed to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (commonly used for infections like urinary tract infections or certain bacterial infections) and want to check if your immune system has produced antibodies against them. It could also be used in research or clinical trials involving these medications.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is collected in a tube and sent to a lab for testing.

What the Test Results Mean

Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and indicate whether your immune system has detected fluoroquinolone antibiotics. A positive result suggests your body has mounted an immune response, while a negative result means no detectable antibodies were found.

Common Reasons for Testing

This test is less commonly performed in routine clinical settings but may be used in specific scenarios like monitoring immune responses in research studies, evaluating exposure in occupational settings, or assessing drug interactions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

While fluoroquinolone antibody testing isn’t standard for diagnosing infections or guiding treatment, it can be useful in specialized contexts. For example, it may help determine if a patient’s immune system has developed tolerance or resistance to these antibiotics, which could inform future medical decisions.

Short name

Fluoroquinolone Antibody Test

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means your immune system has likely encountered fluoroquinolone antibiotics before and produced antibodies in response. This could indicate past exposure or exposure during treatment.
Could this test be used to diagnose an infection?
No, this test is not used to diagnose infections. It only measures whether your body has made antibodies to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, not whether you have an active infection.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on lab processing times.
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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