Serum or Plasma Substance Concentration by Immunoassay (General Protein or Antibody Screening)
This test measures certain proteins or antibodies in your blood, often used to check for infections, immune responses, or other health conditions.
["Helps identify potential immune system issues or infections by detecting specific proteins/antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17020-9
- Short code
- ICS Ab Ser Ql IF
- Synonyms
- ICS Ab Ser 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
What This Test Measures
This test uses an immunoassay method to detect and quantify specific proteins or antibodies in your serum or plasma. Immunoassays are highly sensitive and can identify a wide range of substances, including markers for infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions. The test may screen for a broad category of analytes rather than a single specific protein.
Why Your Doctor Might Order This Test
Your doctor may recommend this test to evaluate your immune system, diagnose infections (such as viral or bacterial), check for autoimmune conditions, or monitor certain treatments. It can also be part of routine screening or follow-up care depending on your medical history.
Common Uses and Conditions
Common uses include detecting antibodies against infections (e.g., viruses like HIV, hepatitis, or COVID-19), screening for autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), or identifying proteins linked to inflammation or other systemic conditions.
Sample Collection and Preparation
Blood is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood sample is then processed to separate serum (liquid part after clotting) or plasma (liquid part before clotting). This sample is sent to a lab for testing using an immunoassay method.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The presence or level of certain proteins or antibodies can indicate underlying health issues. For example, elevated antibody levels may signal an active infection or an overactive immune response. Low or abnormal levels might suggest immune deficiencies or other conditions requiring further medical evaluation. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Protein/antibody screening
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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