Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody, Serum (Qualitative Immunoassay)
This test detects antibodies to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. It helps diagnose infections when symptoms persist or culture results are unavailable.
["This test may be used if you have unexplained lung or respiratory symptoms, especially after exposure to respiratory illnesses."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22428-7
- Short code
- Mycoplasma Ab Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- Mycoplasma Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
When Is This Test Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent cough, fever, or chest pain that don’t improve with typical antibiotics. It’s often used in cases where other tests (like cultures) haven’t confirmed the infection or when symptoms suggest *Mycoplasma* as the likely cause.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies against *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, suggesting past or current infection. However, antibodies may take weeks to develop, so a negative result doesn’t always mean the infection is absent.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found in this sample, which could mean the infection is not active or has already resolved. It doesn’t rule out *Mycoplasma* infection entirely, especially if symptoms are recent.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The serum (liquid part of blood) is then tested using an immunoassay method to detect specific antibodies against *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*. Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than quantifiable.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Mycoplasma Ab Serology
Frequently asked questions
Why was this test ordered?
What does a positive result tell me about my health?
Can I get this test at home?
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