Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody, Serum (Qualitative Detection of IgG and IgM)
This test checks for antibodies against *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, a common cause of respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis in adults and children.
["Helps diagnose infections caused by *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* when symptoms like cough or fever persist."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 684-1
- Short code
- Resp Mycoplasma Spt Cult
- Synonyms
- Resp Mycoplasma Spt Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 two types of antibodies—IgG (long-term immunity markers) and IgM (early infection markers)—against *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*. These antibodies develop in response to the bacteria and can indicate past or current infection. Results are reported qualitatively (positive/negative) rather than with numeric values.
Why It’s Ordered
Your doctor may order this test if you have unexplained respiratory symptoms (e.g., persistent cough, fever) that don’t improve with typical antibiotics, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with a suspected *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* infection.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort for a few seconds.
What the Results Mean
Positive results (IgG or IgM) suggest recent or past infection. A positive IgM result alone may indicate an acute infection, while IgG alone could indicate recovery or chronic exposure. Negative results don’t rule out infection if symptoms are recent or testing was delayed.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of atypical pneumonia, often missed on chest X-rays. Antibody testing helps confirm diagnosis when symptoms persist despite antibiotics for bacterial infections. Misdiagnosis can delay appropriate treatment, so results guide further evaluation (e.g., cultures, imaging).
Short name
Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies
Frequently asked questions
When might I get false-positive or false-negative results?
How long do results take?
Can I take antibiotics before this test?
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