Ordering Recommendation

A combined IgG and IgM antibody panel is available (refer to Chlamydia Antibody Panel, IgG & IgM by IFA (0065100)). Differentiate between Chlamydophila species (C. psittaci, C. pneumoniae). Differentiate early IgM response to infection from persistent low-level titer. Because of cross-reactivity, a C. pneumoniae-specific reaction will exhibit titers two-fold or greater than C. trachomatis or C. psittaci serology. Limited value in the diagnosis of most oculogenital (eg, eyes, genitalia) chlamydial infections.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Plain red or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation

Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP standard transport tube. (Min: 0.4 mL) Parallel testing is preferred and convalescent specimens must be received within 30 days from receipt of the acute specimens. Mark specimens plainly as "acute" or "convalescent."

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Contaminated, hemolyzed, or hyperlipemic sera.

Remarks
Stability

After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)

Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA)

Performed

Mon-Sat

Reported

1-4 days

Reference Interval

< 1:20 C. trachomatis IgM.
< 1:20 C. pneumoniae IgM.
< 1:20 C. psittaci IgM.

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. Ideally, acute and convalescent samples should be tested simultaneously at the same facility. If the sample submitted was collected during the acute-phase of illness, submit a marked convalescent sample within 25 days for paired testing.  Seroconversion, a fourfold or greater rise in antibody titer between acute and convalescent sera, is considered strong evidence of recent infection.

The Chlamydia microimmunofluorescent assay utilizes C. psittaci, C. pneumoniae, and nine serotypes of C. trachomatis. It does not include the LGV strains of C. trachomatis.

Compliance Category

Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR)

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

86632 x3

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0065101 C. pneumoniae IgM Titer 6914-6
0065102 C. trachomatis IgM Titer 6920-3
0065103 C. psittaci IgM Titer 6917-9
0065131 Chlamydia IgM Panel Interpretation 59464-8
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Chlamydia IgM Ab
  • CT IgM Ab
Chlamydia Antibody Panel, IgM by IFA