Fungal Antigen Detection (Quantitative) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the presence of fungal antigens in your blood, which can help identify certain fungal infections.
["Helps diagnose fungal infections by detecting specific antigens in your bloodstream."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 91091-9
- Short code
- Fungal ITS region Islt Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- Fungal ITS region Islt Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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 detects fungal antigens—small molecules produced by fungi—that may be circulating in your blood if you have an active fungal infection. This can include infections caused by organisms like *Cryptococcus*, *Candida*, or others. The test is not specific to a single type of fungus but identifies general fungal presence.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, or organ dysfunction that could suggest a fungal infection, especially if you have a weakened immune system (e.g., from HIV, chemotherapy, or other conditions like diabetes). It may also be used in monitoring patients with known fungal exposure or risk factors.
How the Test Works
The test uses a sensitive immunoassay (likely a clia or fia method) to detect fungal antigens in a blood sample. The sample is typically drawn from a vein (venipuncture) and processed in a lab to measure antigen levels.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is collected by a healthcare professional. You may feel a slight pinch when the needle is inserted, but the process is quick. The blood is then sent to a lab for testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a key role in diagnosing fungal infections in patients who may not show obvious symptoms early on. High antigen levels can indicate an active infection, prompting further medical evaluation or treatment adjustments. It is particularly useful for identifying infections in immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic conditions that increase susceptibility.
Short name
Fungal Antigen Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be used for routine check-ups?
How soon will I get results?
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