Chlamydia Trachomatis Antibody IgG, IgA, IgM Blood Test
Chlamydia Antibodies Blood Test
Test Code: 36581
Specimen Type: Blood
Description:
Chlamydia Trachomatis Antibody Blood Test IgG, IgA, IgM (Quest)
This test looks for several types of antibodies to Chlamydia Trachomattis in the blood. Chlamydia Trachomattis, more commonly known as Chlamydia, is a common bacterial infection that is primarily spread through sexual contact. Many genital chlamydia infections are asymptomatic. Some people will experience a burning sensation during urinating, abnormal discharge, itching, irritation, or pain around the genital area but these symptoms may not develop until weeks after their initial exposure. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to more serious health complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased susceptibility to other infections including HIV.
Blood testing for chlamydia is not commonly ordered but it can be helpful in some cases. While chlamydia is not a blood-borne illness, the body's immune system develops antibodies in response to the infection and these antibodies can be detectable in the blood. This test looks for 3 types of antibodies, IgM, IgA, and IgG.
- IgM Antibodies: These typically develop shortly after infection and fade out over time. The presence of IgM antibodies may indicate a recent infection but are not a reliable indicator for making a diagnosis. Positive results should be confirmed with another testing method.
- IgA Antibodies: These are typically at their highest level during an active infection. Not everyone will develop detectable IgA antibody levels so negative results are not definitive proof that no infection is present.
- IgG Antibodies: These antibodies begin to develop around the same time that IgM antibody levels are decreasing. IgG antibodies will often remain detectable even after someone has been successfully treated. The presence of these antibodies may indicate that a person has had chlamydia in the past ut cannot determine if they have it currently.
While blood testing for chlamydia is not typically used to diagnose an infection, this type of test may be useful in confirming an infection for someone who has symptoms but has had inconclusive results from more common testing methods such as a genital chlamydia urine test. It can also be used to aid in identifying the cause of conditions such as PID or fertility issues which may result from chronic chlamydia infections.
Turnaround for this test is typically 2-4 business days.
Where can I find a Chlamydia Trachomatis Antibody IgG, IgA, IgM test near me?
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Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
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