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Leishmania-specific antibody (serum/plasma) by immunoassay

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

This test detects antibodies in your blood that may indicate exposure to the Leishmania parasite, which causes leishmaniasis—a disease spread by infected sandflies.

Quick summary

["Helps identify past or possible infection from a parasitic disease affecting skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
43109-8
Short code
Leishmania sp IgG+IgM Pnl Ser
Synonyms
Leishmania sp IgG+IgM Pnl Ser
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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

What This Test Measures

The test looks for antibodies (immune system proteins) produced in response to Leishmania parasites. These antibodies can appear after infection, even if you don’t have active symptoms. The method used is an immunoassay, which detects specific proteins in your serum or plasma.

Why It’s Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve traveled to or lived in regions where leishmaniasis is common, or if you have symptoms like skin ulcers, fever, or organ swelling that could suggest infection.

When Results May Be Relevant

Positive results suggest past exposure or infection, but they don’t always mean you’re currently sick. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found in this sample. Follow-up testing or clinical evaluation may be needed to assess risk or symptoms.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. You may feel slight discomfort, but it’s usually over quickly. If you’re pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, or take blood thinners, let your provider know.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Leishmania Antibody

Frequently asked questions

How does this test help doctors?
This test helps identify past exposure to Leishmania, which can guide further evaluation if symptoms or travel history suggest infection. It’s not a diagnostic test for active disease but can support a broader assessment of exposure risk or infection history.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates your immune system has likely encountered Leishmania parasites, but it doesn’t confirm current illness. You may need additional testing or medical evaluation to assess symptoms or treatment needs.
Could false positives or negatives occur?
Yes, like all antibody tests, results can sometimes be inaccurate. False positives may occur with other infections or immune responses, while false negatives could happen if testing is done too early after exposure. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy