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Trichinella antibody screening by immunoassay (serum/plasma)

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

This test detects antibodies in your blood that may indicate exposure to the parasite *Trichinella*, which can cause trichinosis—a rare but serious illness.

Quick summary

["This screening helps identify potential past exposure to trichinosis parasites."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
109043-0
Short code
Trichinella IgG Msmt Ser
Synonyms
Trichinella IgG Msmt Ser
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

What Does This Test Measure?

The test measures your immune system’s response to *Trichinella* parasites by detecting specific antibodies (IgG) in your serum or plasma. Antibodies are proteins your body produces to fight infections. If you’ve been exposed to the parasite, these antibodies may remain in your blood for months or years.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like muscle pain, fever, or swelling (e.g., in the face or eyes) that could suggest trichinosis, especially after eating undercooked meat from animals that may have been infected. It’s also used in certain occupational or travel-related risk assessments.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from your arm. The sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days to a week, depending on the lab.

What to Expect After the Test

After the blood draw, you may experience mild bruising or soreness at the injection site. Apply a cold compress if needed. Avoid strenuous activity for the day. If you develop unusual symptoms after the test, contact your healthcare provider.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Trichinella IgG Antibody Screening

Frequently asked questions

How long do trichinella antibodies stay in the blood?
Trichinella IgG antibodies can remain detectable in the blood for months to years after infection, though their levels may gradually decrease over time. Their persistence doesn’t always mean the infection is still active, so results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Can this test diagnose trichinosis?
This test is a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis. If your symptoms or test results suggest trichinosis, your doctor may order additional tests, such as muscle biopsy or other diagnostic evaluations, to confirm the infection.
What should I do if I have symptoms after eating undercooked meat?
If you develop symptoms like muscle pain, fever, or swelling after eating potentially contaminated meat, seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider may recommend this test or other evaluations to assess for trichinosis or other infections.
  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