Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around time: 2–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Direct access - Order without a doctor's referral or insurance hassles
- Mucosal immunity focus - Specifically detects IgA antibodies linked to surface infections
- Comprehensive screening - Identifies immune response to Candida fungal exposure
- Fast results - Get answers within days to guide your health decisions
- Privacy protection - Results delivered directly to you with complete confidentiality
- Cost transparency - Upfront pricing with no surprise medical bills
Who Is This Test For?
- People with recurrent yeast infections or thrush symptoms
- Individuals experiencing chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or skin problems
- Those with recent antibiotic use or compromised immune systems
- Anyone seeking to monitor their fungal health status proactively
- People with diabetes or other Candida overgrowth risk factors
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and find a nearby lab location
- Visit the lab - Quick blood draw with no appointment needed at most locations
- Get results - Secure online access to your results within 2-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test detects IgA antibodies your immune system produces against Candida albicans fungus, particularly indicating mucosal infections.
Do I need to fast before the test? No special preparation is required - no fasting, medication changes, or dietary restrictions needed.
How accurate is this test? The ELISA method shows 46-74% sensitivity and 75-100% specificity for detecting Candida infections (Academic Research 2008).
Can this test diagnose active infection? This test shows immune response but cannot definitively diagnose active infection - clinical evaluation may be needed for confirmation.
What if my results are positive? Positive results indicate antibody detection suggesting current or past Candida exposure - consult healthcare providers for comprehensive evaluation.
How long do results take? Most results are available within 2-5 business days, with some labs providing results in 1-8 days depending on location.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Candida Antibodies Blood Test, IgA, ELISA detects specific antibodies your immune system creates when exposed to Candida albicans, a common yeast-like fungus (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2024). IgA antibodies are particularly important because they protect mucosal surfaces like your mouth, gut, lungs, and genital areas where Candida infections commonly occur. This test helps identify potential fungal overgrowth and assess your immune response patterns to distinguish between different types of Candida exposure.
Unlike other antibody types, IgA reflects surface immunity and may indicate active or recent mucosal infections more effectively. The ELISA methodology provides semi-quantitative results with over 92% sensitivity for detecting human antibody responses (IBL America 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test serves individuals experiencing unexplained chronic symptoms potentially linked to Candida overgrowth, including persistent fatigue, digestive problems, or recurrent infections. People with risk factors benefit most: those using antibiotics, individuals with diabetes, pregnant women, or anyone with compromised immune systems (CDC 2024).
The test is particularly valuable for monitoring Candida-related health issues or tracking response to antifungal treatments. With approximately 25,000 annual candidemia cases in the United States and mortality rates reaching 58-79%, early detection through accessible testing becomes crucial (CIDRAP 2024).
When should I order a Candida Antibodies Blood Test, IgA, ELISA?
Consider testing when experiencing persistent symptoms potentially linked to Candida overgrowth, especially after significant antibiotic courses that disrupt natural microbiome balance. Order this test if you have recurrent yeast infections, unexplained chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or skin problems that haven't responded to conventional treatments.
Testing is also valuable when monitoring response to antifungal treatments or assessing fungal health status if you have diabetes, immunodeficiency, or other predisposing conditions. The direct-access model enables timely screening without waiting for physician referrals.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported using established enzyme values (EV) with specific cut-off ranges for interpretation:
≤0.88 EV (Negative):
- What it means: No significant Candida antibodies detected
- Typical action: Continue monitoring symptoms if present
0.89–0.99 EV (Equivocal):
- What it means: Questionable antibody presence
- Typical action: Consider repeat testing in 10–14 days
≥1.00 EV (Positive):
- What it means: Candida antibodies detected
- Typical action: Consult healthcare provider for evaluation
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast, adjust medications, or follow dietary restrictions beforehand (Sanford Laboratories 2024). However, inform your healthcare provider about current medications, recent antibiotic use, or ongoing antifungal treatments that might influence results.
The blood collection requires standard venipuncture using serum separator tubes with a minimum sample volume of 0.15-0.5 mL serum. Samples remain stable at room temperature for 48 hours, refrigerated for 2 weeks, or frozen for 6 months.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, then as needed based on results
- Monitoring treatment response: Every 4–6 weeks during active treatment
- Recurrent infections: Every 3–6 months or with symptom flares
- High-risk individuals: Annually or biannually for monitoring
- Equivocal results: Repeat in 10–14 days for clarification
Why early detection matters
Early detection of Candida-related immune responses enables timely intervention before complications develop. Systemic fungal infections generate over $2.6 billion in annual U.S. healthcare costs, with average per-patient expenses of $31,200 (Science Direct 2010). Invasive candidiasis affects approximately 750,000 cases globally per year with significant mortality risks.
Identifying elevated antibody levels allows for proactive lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and potential treatment protocols. Supporting immune system function through balanced nutrition, stress management, and maintaining healthy microbiome balance can prevent progression to more serious infections.
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Stool Analysis plus Parasitology x3 (CDSA/P) – Doctor's Data Test Kit – Evaluates digestive function, intestinal inflammation, beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and parasites using three stool samples. Helps identify root causes of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, infections, and imbalances in the gut microbiome.
Candida Immune Complex Blood Test – Detects immune complexes formed in response to Candida overgrowth, helping evaluate chronic Candida-related symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, or recurrent infections. Useful in assessing immune system response to Candida.
Candida Antibodies Panel (IgG, IgA, IgM) - Complete antibody profile offering comprehensive immune response assessment, with different antibody classes indicating various stages of exposure and infection patterns.
