Serum Antibody Screening for Specific Pathogens (e.g., *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* or *Legionella pneumophila*)
This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate past or current exposure to certain bacteria, such as those causing tuberculosis or Legionnaires’ disease. Antibodies are your body’s immune response to infection.
["This test helps identify if you’ve been exposed to harmful bacteria, even if you don’t currently have symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 77737-5
- Short code
- M abscessus erm(41) Pnl Islt/Spm
- Synonyms
- M abscessus erm(41) Pnl Islt/Spm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- 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 specific antibodies in your serum (liquid part of blood) using an immunoassay method. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces to fight off infections. This test is often used as a screening tool to detect exposure to bacteria like *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* (causing tuberculosis) or *Legionella pneumophila* (linked to Legionnaires’ disease).
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, cough, or fatigue, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with a known infection. It can also be part of routine screening in certain high-risk groups, such as travelers to areas with higher infection rates or individuals with weakened immune systems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your lab requires it, but this depends on the specific test protocol. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as some may affect results.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood sample is then sent to the lab for antibody detection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate your immune system has recognized and produced antibodies against the tested bacteria. This suggests past exposure or infection, but it doesn’t always mean you’re currently sick. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found for the tested bacteria at the time of testing. Follow-up testing or additional evaluation may be needed if symptoms persist or exposure is suspected. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Pathogen Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink or eat before this test?
What does a positive result mean?
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