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Chlamydia trachomatis Antibody (IgM)
Test Code5157
CPT Codes
86632
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.1 mL
Instructions
Serum: Collect in a serum separator tube or red-top tube (no gel). The tube should be centrifuged after clotting. Spun serum separator tubes may be submitted at room temperature or refrigerated unopened without transfer to a plastic screw-cap vial. Red-top tube (no gel) serum should be transferred to a plastic screw-cap vial and submitted for testing.
Transport Container
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Grossly icteric • Samples submitted in original red-top tube (no gel)
Methodology
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Mon-Sat
Report Available
2-3 days
Reference Range
<1:10
Clinical Significance
Chlamydia trachomatis is associated with infections of the mucous membranes of the urogenital system, the upper respiratory tract, and the eye.
The usefulness of serological tests depends on the site of infection, duration of disease, infecting serovars and previous exposure to chlamydial antigens. Because C. trachomatis is ubiquitous, there is a high prevalence of antibodies in sexually active populations. Individuals may be reinfected and IgM antibodies may not appear. IgG antibodies may persist even after treatment, making assessment of a single IgG titer difficult. Consequently, serological diagnosis is seldom used to diagnose genital tract infections. Instead, Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) or culture should be considered to detect chlamydia trachomatis. Culture can also be used to diagnose infant respiratory infection or conjunctivitis.
The usefulness of serological tests depends on the site of infection, duration of disease, infecting serovars and previous exposure to chlamydial antigens. Because C. trachomatis is ubiquitous, there is a high prevalence of antibodies in sexually active populations. Individuals may be reinfected and IgM antibodies may not appear. IgG antibodies may persist even after treatment, making assessment of a single IgG titer difficult. Consequently, serological diagnosis is seldom used to diagnose genital tract infections. Instead, Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) or culture should be considered to detect chlamydia trachomatis. Culture can also be used to diagnose infant respiratory infection or conjunctivitis.
Performing Laboratory
| Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-Chantilly VA |
| 14225 Newbrook Drive |
| Chantilly, VA 20151-2228 |
Last Updated: November 6, 2024
