Pneumonia-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* (serum/plasma)
This test measures your body’s immune response to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, a common bacterial cause of pneumonia and respiratory infections. It helps doctors assess whether your immune system has recognized and fought off this germ.
["This test helps diagnose infections caused by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* and guides treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13270-4
- Short code
- M pneumo IgA Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- M pneumo IgA Ser-aCnc
- 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 detects antibodies (IgG) produced by your immune system in response to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*. Antibodies are proteins your body makes to identify and neutralize foreign invaders like bacteria. If you’ve been exposed to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, your immune system will produce these antibodies over time. This test checks for their presence in your blood.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of pneumonia (such as cough, fever, or chest pain) and other tests (like a chest X-ray or culture) are inconclusive. It’s also used in cases where *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* is suspected as the cause of persistent or atypical respiratory infections, especially in people who don’t respond to typical antibiotics.
How It Works
A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab using an immunoassay method to detect IgG antibodies specific to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*. This process identifies whether your immune system has mounted a response to the bacteria.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the injection site, but this is normal. If you’re on blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder, let your doctor know before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate that your immune system has recognized *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* and produced antibodies in response. This can confirm a diagnosis of infection caused by this bacterium, especially in cases where other tests are unclear. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing infections in people who don’t show typical signs of bacterial pneumonia or where antibiotics haven’t worked as expected. Negative results suggest either no current infection or that the infection has resolved.
Short name
IgG Antibody to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I have this test if I’m pregnant?
Does this test show if I currently have an infection?
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