IgA Antibody to Chlamydia trachomatis (Serum)
This test measures antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to *Chlamydia trachomatis*, a bacterium that can cause infections like chlamydia.
["Helps detect past or current infections by *Chlamydia trachomatis* through your immune system’s antibody response."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44589-0
- Short code
- M-IgA CSF Ql IFE
- Synonyms
- M-IgA CSF Ql IFE
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immunofixation
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test looks for **immunoglobulin A (IgA)** antibodies specific to *Chlamydia trachomatis*. IgA is one type of antibody your body makes to fight infections. If you’ve been exposed to this bacterium, your immune system may produce these antibodies, which the test can detect in your serum (blood plasma).
Why It’s Ordered
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms of a chlamydia infection (such as unusual discharge, pain during urination, or pelvic pain) or if you’re at higher risk (e.g., sexually active individuals, those with multiple partners, or those with other sexually transmitted infections). It can also be used for screening or confirmation in certain clinical settings.
How the Test Works
The test uses an **immunoassay** method to identify IgA antibodies against *Chlamydia trachomatis* in your serum. A small blood sample is collected, and the lab analyzes it for the presence of these antibodies using a sensitive detection process.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the needle site, but this usually goes away quickly. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a bleeding disorder, let your doctor know before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgA Anti-Chlamydia trachomatis
Frequently asked questions
A positive result indicates that your immune system has likely encountered *Chlamydia trachomatis* in the past, meaning you may have had an infection. However, a negative result does not always rule out infection—other tests (like nucleic acid amplification tests) may be needed for confirmation. IgA antibodies can also persist long after the infection has cleared, so they may not always reflect an active infection.
Can I take antibiotics before this test?
What are the most common symptoms of chlamydia?
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