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Trichinella antibody test (serum/plasma) – Immunoassay for detecting antibodies to *Trichinella* parasites

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for antibodies in your blood that may indicate past exposure to *Trichinella*, a parasitic worm that can cause trichinellosis (trichinosis).

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose or rule out infection from eating contaminated meat."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33587-7
Short code
Trichinella IgA Ser-aCnc
Synonyms
Trichinella 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

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like muscle pain, fever, or swelling (myalgias) after eating undercooked meat, especially pork or wild game. It’s also used in outbreaks or when investigating foodborne illness cases.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your doctor know before the test.

What the Test Results Mean

Positive results suggest past exposure to *Trichinella* parasites, but they don’t always confirm active infection. False positives can occur with other infections or vaccines. Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider.

Common Symptoms of Trichinellosis

Symptoms may appear within days to weeks after eating contaminated meat and include muscle aches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea. Some people have no symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test supports diagnosing trichinellosis, especially in cases where clinical symptoms are unclear. It’s also used in food safety investigations, such as tracking outbreaks linked to undercooked meat. Early detection can guide treatment and prevent further spread.

Short name

Trichinella IgG/IgA Antibody (Serum/Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get test results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on lab processing times. Your doctor will discuss them with you during your follow-up visit.
Can this test detect active infection?
No, this test detects antibodies (IgG/IgA) produced after infection, not the parasite itself. For active infection, other tests or clinical evaluation may be needed.
What if my test results are positive?
A positive result means you likely had exposure to *Trichinella* parasites in the past. Your doctor may recommend further testing or monitoring, especially if you have symptoms. Treatment depends on severity and may include anti-parasitic medications.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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