Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgG Antibodies

Your doctor might order this test if you have symptoms of pneumonia such as fever, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, especially if the symptoms are persistent and not responding to conventional treatment.

The test involves a simple blood draw. A healthcare professional will use a needle to draw blood from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The test involves a simple blood draw, which may cause mild discomfort and a slight pricking sensation. The pain is usually minimal and subsides quickly after the procedure.

There are minimal risks associated with a blood draw. These may include slight pain or bruising at the site of the needle insertion. In very rare cases, there may be a risk of infection or excessive bleeding.

A positive result indicates that IgG antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae are present in your blood, suggesting a recent or past infection.

IgG antibodies remain in the blood for a long time after the infection has resolved. Therefore, a positive result could indicate a recent or past infection. Other tests may be required to confirm a current infection.

Your doctor might also order tests for IgM antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae or a complete blood count to assess your overall health and to get a clearer picture of your condition.

No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is always a good idea to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking as they might affect the test results.

If you test positive and have symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Additional supportive care may also be needed to manage the symptoms.

Yes, it's possible. Antibody tests are not always able to detect an infection, especially in the early stages. If your symptoms suggest Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, but the test is negative, your doctor might order additional tests or begin treatment based on your symptoms.

No, this test requires a blood sample to be taken by a healthcare professional and should be done in a clinical setting.

As with any test, there is always a small chance of a false positive result. However, false positives are rare and the test is generally reliable.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is spread through respiratory droplets, so practicing good hygiene like frequent hand washing, not sharing personal items, and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread of the bacteria.

IgM antibodies are produced soon after an infection and usually indicate a current or recent infection. IgG antibodies appear later and remain in the blood for a long time, indicating a past infection. Both antibodies are produced in response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.