Candida IgM Blood Test

Sample Report Test Code: 163010 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

Candida IgM Blood Test

The Candida IgM test is used to screen for antibodies the body develops in response to Systemic Candidiasis or Candida.  Candida is another name for yeast, a fungus that is normally found in small amounts in the body.  The immune system normally keeps Candida under control but in cases where a person is sick or taking antibiotics, the yeast may spread, becoming a potentially dangerous infection.  Candida occurs most often in the mouth (Thrush), genital region (yeast infection), and GI tract.  A person experiencing a Candida infection can spread it to their partner through sexual contact.  Symptoms of Candida can include a thick white discharge, itching or irritation in the genital area, a yeasty odor, and bloating.  In some cases, Candida can spread to the blood, heart, or brain and become life-threatening.

There are several Candida antibody types which can be tested for.  This test looks specifically for IgM Antibodies.  The presence of IgM antibodies typically indicates a recent or current infection.  IgM antibodies typically fall below detectable levels shortly after the initial infection.

A negative IgM test does not rule out the possibility of Candida infection as IgM antibodies may not be detectable if an infection has not occurred recently or if a person has had similar infections in the past.  A more thorough test is also available which looks for Candida IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies.

Turnaround time for the Candida IgM Abs test is typically 2-5 business days.

Where can I find a Candida IgM Blood Test near me?

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