Candida Blood Test - More Information

The Candida test, also known as a Candida blood test, Candida lab test and Candida IgG test, measures the Candida IgG antibody blood level.

Candida is a fungus that lives in the gastrointestinal system, skin and pelvic region in most people. While a small amount of Candida albicans exists in and on everyone, stress, antibiotic use, and a weakened immune system can cause Candida overgrowth. Symptoms related to Candida overgrowth are generally caused by an overstimulation of the immune system, leading to a variety of possible symptoms in the body.

The presence of Candida IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies suggest a prior exposure to Candida albicans. Candida IgG antibodies are special proteins that are produced by the immune system to protect the body against Candida infections. The presence of IgG antibodies typically suggests a prior Candida infection but may also imply an active infection in someone with symptoms. For some people, getting a wider range of antibody types through the Candida antibody panel is a more thorough way of evaluating prior or current Candida exposure. To look for actual evidence of Candida in the blood instead of evidence of a past Candida infection, the Candida antigen test is worth checking out.

Getting a Candida test near you at a Quest Diagnostics lab is straightforward once you order your lab test online and select a lab. After getting your blood drawn, your blood will be analyzed using standard laboratory equipment. On your Candida test results, your Candida IgG antibody level will appear in the results column and the reference range provided by the lab will help you interpret whether Candida IgG antibody was considered detected or not in your blood. Please refer to the Candida test sample report provided above for an example of what your Candida lab results will look like.