Staphylococcus aureus Antibody Screening (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to *Staphylococcus aureus*, a common bacteria that can cause infections. It helps identify if your immune system has recognized this bacteria, which may be important in certain infections or immune responses.
["Checks for immune response to *Staphylococcus aureus* bacteria."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6550-8
- Short code
- S aureus Ab Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- S aureus Ab 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
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of a suspected *Staphylococcus aureus* infection (such as fever, skin sores, or joint pain), if you’ve been exposed to the bacteria, or if you’re undergoing treatment for an infection to monitor your immune response.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of antibodies against *Staphylococcus aureus*, suggesting your body has detected and responded to the bacteria. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies were found at this time. Results may vary depending on the stage of infection or immune response.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used in diagnosing or monitoring infections caused by *Staphylococcus aureus*, such as skin infections (e.g., impetigo), bloodstream infections, or post-surgical infections. It may also be used in research or clinical trials involving immune responses to bacteria.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Antibody detection can help confirm a diagnosis of *Staphylococcus aureus* infection, especially in cases where cultures or other tests are inconclusive. It may also guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting antibiotics or assessing immune response during recovery. However, antibodies alone do not always indicate active infection; they reflect past or current exposure.
Short name
Staph Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be used to diagnose 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