Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody, Immunoassay (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, a common bacteria linked to respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. It helps diagnose whether your immune system has encountered this bacteria recently.
["This test helps identify past or current infection by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, a bacteria often causing respiratory symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20901-5
- Short code
- Mycoplasma Ag Islt Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- Mycoplasma Ag Islt Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- 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
Why This Test Is Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had symptoms like coughing, fever, or chest pain—especially if you’ve been exposed to respiratory infections. It’s also used to confirm a diagnosis when other tests (like chest X-rays or cultures) are inconclusive.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample (serum or plasma) via a simple venipuncture. The test checks for antibodies (IgM and IgG) that your body produces in response to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*.
What the Test Measures
The test detects two types of antibodies: IgM (appears early in infection) and IgG (appears later and persists longer). These antibodies indicate whether you’ve been exposed to *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* at some point.
How Results Are Interpreted
Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than quantitative. A positive result suggests exposure to the bacteria, but it doesn’t always mean an active infection is ongoing. Your provider will discuss findings in context with your symptoms and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results may confirm a diagnosis of *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infection, particularly if symptoms align with typical respiratory illness. However, false positives can occur, so results are often interpreted alongside clinical findings. This test is especially useful for diagnosing atypical pneumonia in children or adults with mild symptoms.
Short name
Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM/IgG Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test tell me if I have an active infection?
How long does it take to get results?
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