ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0065139: Chlamydia Antibody Panel, IgG by IFA

Test Mnemonic: CHLAM G
Methodology: Indirect Fluorescent Antibody

Performed: Mon-Sat

Reported: 1-3 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: One 4 mL plain red or SST.

Transport: 1 mL serum at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.15 mL serum at 2-8°C.

Remarks: Separate serum from cells ASAP. Acute and convalescent specimens must be labeled as such; parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Please mark specimen plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."

Unacceptable Conditions: Hyperlipemic, hemolyzed, or contaminated sera.

Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 2 days; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)

Reference Interval:
 < 1:64  C. trachomatis IgG. 
< 1:64  C. pneumoniae IgG.
< 1:64  C. psittaci IgG.

Interpretive Data:
The Chlamydia antibody test contains both species- and genus-specific antigens, and serological cross-reactions may be seen in both acute and convalescent samples (less than 1:128).  A C. pneumoniae-specific reaction will exhibit titers twofold or greater than titers observed with C. trachomatis or C. psittaci serology.  Any IgG titer may indicate past exposure to that particular species.  IgG titers in recently infected individuals are typically greater than or equal to 1:512.

The Chlamydia microimmunofluorescent assay slides utilize C. psittaci, C. pneumoniae, and nine serotypes of C. trachomatis. The LGV strains of C. trachomatis are not included in this assay.

Please refer to Statement A in the Compliance Statements section in the front of the Laboratory Test Directory.



Note:
In adult populations, the prevalence of antibody titers indicative of exposure to the organism ranges from 50-78%.

CPT Code(s):
86631 C. trachomatis IgG; 86631 C. pneumoniae IgG; 86631 C. psittaci