Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (IgG, IgM)
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (IgG, IgM) - This test helps detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Respiratory tract infections including community-acquired pneumonia are common reasons for testing for M pneumoniae, especially in children.
- Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Antibody (IgG)
- Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Antibody (IgM)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Details
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (IgG, IgM) - This test helps detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Respiratory tract infections including community-acquired pneumonia are common reasons for testing for M pneumoniae, especially in children [3,4].
Clinical presentations of M pneumoniae infection are generally mild, but can vary widely across individuals, and are most often characterized by tracheobronchitis with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Approximately one-third of people with M pneumoniae infection develop pneumonia that was previously considered "atypical." Extrapulmonary complications may include encephalitis, hemolytic anemia, renal dysfunction, gastrointestinal complaints, erythema multiforme, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome [1,2].
M pneumoniae infection is diagnosed by culture, serology, or nucleic acid amplification tests. Serologic tests may be useful when the possibility of Mycoplasma infection is high. A positive IgG result indicates previous or recent infection. Testing children who have suspected community-acquired pneumonia for M pneumoniae may help guide antibiotic selection [3,4].
Clinical false-negative results for IgG- and IgM-based serologic tests can occur due to compromised immunity, testing before an antibody response has started, or the presence of interfering substances in host serum.
Real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for M pneumoniae DNA is more sensitive than serology testing and can provide timely results to inform patient management [2]. IgA antibodies to M pneumoniae appear early; testing IgA antibodies may aid in identifying acute infection [1].
The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical history and physical examination findings.
References
1. Waites KB, et al. Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. In: Carroll KC, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. ASM Press; 2019. https://www.clinmicronow.org/doi/book/10.1128/9781683670438.MCM.ch64
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections. Last reviewed June 5, 2020. Accessed January 27, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/hcp/index.html
3. Miller JM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2018;67(6):813-816.
4. Bradley JS, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;53(7):617-630.
1. Waites KB, et al. Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. In: Carroll KC, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. ASM Press; 2019. https://www.clinmicronow.org/doi/book/10.1128/9781683670438.MCM.ch64
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections. Last reviewed June 5, 2020. Accessed January 27, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/hcp/index.html
3. Miller JM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2018;67(6):813-816.
4. Bradley JS, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;53(7):617-630.
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL serum
Test Resources
For more information, please consult your healthcare provider.
4–5 business days
M. pneumoniae Ab (IgG)
≤0.90 Negative
0.91–1.09 Equivocal
≥1.10 Positive
M. pneumoniae Ab (IgM)
Negative <770 U/mL
Low positive 770–950 U/mL
Positive >950 U/mL
≤0.90 Negative
0.91–1.09 Equivocal
≥1.10 Positive
M. pneumoniae Ab (IgM)
Negative <770 U/mL
Low positive 770–950 U/mL
Positive >950 U/mL
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 4 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Icteric
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Rhode Island, New Jersey, or New York
