Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood sample (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 5–7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive detection – measures three antibody types for complete assessment
- No prescription needed – order directly online without doctor referral
Fast results – get answers in 5-7 days with secure online delivery - No special preparation – simple blood draw with no fasting required
- Early detection – identify potential infections before symptoms worsen
- Clinical-grade accuracy – ELISA methodology provides reliable results
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing recurrent yeast infections or oral thrush
- People with unexplained fatigue, digestive issues, or skin problems
- Those taking long-term antibiotics or recently hospitalized
- Individuals with compromised immune systems or diabetes
- Anyone with risk factors for fungal infections
- People monitoring treatment effectiveness after antifungal therapy
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – purchase your test without prescription and receive requisition
- Visit lab – get blood drawn at any partner collection center near you
- Get results – receive secure online results with interpretation guide in 5-7 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test detects three types of antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) your immune system produces against Candida albicans, helping identify potential fungal infections.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting or special preparation is required. Continue taking medications as prescribed and stay well-hydrated.
How accurate is this test? Test accuracy varies by antibody type, with sensitivity ranging from 42% to 96% and specificity from 54% to 100% depending on infection type (Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2018).
What if my results are positive? Positive results require clinical correlation with symptoms, as antibodies can be present due to normal Candida colonization without active infection.
Can this test diagnose all Candida infections? This test is most useful for detecting invasive candidiasis and systemic infections. Localized infections may require additional testing methods.
How long do antibodies remain detectable? IgM antibodies appear first and decline over time, while IgG antibodies may persist for months to years after exposure.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects antibodies against Candida albicans to help identify potential fungal infections ranging from superficial to invasive candidiasis. The test measures three antibody types: IgM indicates recent infection, IgG suggests past or ongoing infection, and IgA may indicate mucosal infections (Labcorp, 2025). While Candida naturally exists in small amounts in the human body, overgrowth can lead to various health problems affecting the bloodstream, mouth, vagina, and internal organs.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals with recurrent yeast infections, unexplained symptoms like chronic fatigue or digestive issues, those with weakened immune systems, patients on long-term antibiotics, people with diabetes, and anyone with conditions that compromise immunity (CDC, 2018). It's particularly valuable for health-conscious consumers seeking convenient diagnostics without physician referrals, allowing proactive monitoring of fungal health status.
When should I order a Candida Antibodies Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test if you experience recurring yeast infections, oral thrush, unexplained digestive issues, skin rashes, chronic fatigue, are taking antibiotics, have recently been hospitalized, or have conditions that compromise immunity. With an estimated 23,000 cases of candidemia occurring in the United States annually, early detection becomes crucial for proper treatment (CDC, 2018).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as negative (≤0.88 EV), equivocal (0.89-0.99 EV), or positive (≥1.00 EV) for each antibody type:
Negative (≤0.88 EV):
- What it means: No significant antibodies detected
- Typical action: No immediate action needed
Equivocal (0.89–0.99 EV):
- What it means: Borderline result, unclear significance
- Typical action: Repeat testing in 10–14 days
Positive (≥1.00 EV):
- What it means: Antibodies detected, possible infection
- Typical action: Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation
The best evidence for current infection is a significant change in antibody levels between two appropriately timed specimens.
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 or fasting is required for this test. Continue taking medications as prescribed and inform laboratory personnel of any recent antibiotic use or antifungal treatments. Drink plenty of water to ensure proper hydration for easier blood collection. The test requires approximately 1 mL of blood collected in a serum separator tube.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and risk factors:
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, then as needed
- Monitoring treatment response: Every 4–6 weeks during treatment
- High-risk individuals (immunocompromised): Every 6–12 months
- Recurrent infections: Every 3–6 months
- Following significant antibiotic use: 2–4 weeks after completion
Why early detection matters
Early detection of Candida infections is crucial because invasive candidiasis can be life-threatening if left untreated. The economic burden of fungal diseases in the US was estimated at $11.5 billion in 2019, with invasive candidiasis accounting for approximately $1.8 billion (Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2022). Blood cultures alone detect only about 50% of invasive Candida infections, making antibody testing a valuable complementary diagnostic approach.
Related tests you may consider
Complete Blood Count with Differential provides overall immune status assessment and can detect signs of infection or inflammation that might accompany fungal infections.
Candida Immune Complex Blood Test Detects immune complexes formed in response to Candida overgrowth, helping to assess chronic or systemic Candida infections and related immune activity.
Candida Antibodies Blood Test, IgG, ELISA Measures IgG antibodies to Candida using the ELISA method to help identify past or chronic Candida infections and assess immune system response.
