Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Chlamydia serology, CT IgG/IgM, Chlamydia antibody panel, Anti-Chlamydia Antibody Test, Chlamydia Serology Test, Chlamydia Blood Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Sexually active adults of all genders; individuals with symptoms of genital infection; women being evaluated for infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease; pregnant women (risk-based screening) |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,000 |
What is a Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test?
The Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test is a blood test that checks whether your immune system has produced antibodies in response to the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. It is also known as the CT IgG/IgM test or Chlamydia antibody panel. Doctors may order it when they suspect a past or recent chlamydial infection, or when investigating conditions such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. A small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm is used for this test.
What Does a Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test Measure?
This test measures two types of antibodies in your blood. Each type provides different information about when an infection may have occurred.
| Antibody | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| IgM (Immunoglobulin M) | Develops shortly after infection; may suggest a recent or acute exposure to C. trachomatis |
| IgG (Immunoglobulin G) | Long-lasting antibodies that can remain in the body for years; may indicate past, current, or chronic infection |
Together, these two markers help your doctor build a picture of your exposure history and guide further testing if needed.
Why is a Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test Done?
A doctor may order it based on symptoms, sexual health screening, or as part of an infertility evaluation.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend the Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test if you experience any of the following:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Urethritis (inflammation and irritation of the urethra)
- Testicular pain, swelling, or tenderness in men
- Lower abdominal pain
- Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Discharge from the penis or a burning sensation when urinating
- Burning or itching around the urethral opening in men
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in evaluating a range of conditions linked to C. trachomatis infection:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the female reproductive organs
- Salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes) and endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining)
- Epididymitis (inflammation of the tube that carries sperm)
- Tubal factor infertility, where fallopian tube damage prevents pregnancy
- Non-gonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, and proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
- Reactive arthritis (also known as Reiter's syndrome)
- Lymphogranuloma venereum, a more severe form of chlamydial infection
Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test During Pregnancy
Screening for C. trachomatis during pregnancy is widely recommended. A chlamydial infection in pregnancy has been associated with complications including preterm labour, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, and fetal loss.
Newborns of untreated mothers are also at risk of developing inclusion conjunctivitis or pneumonia. While antibody testing helps assess past exposure, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are preferred for confirming an active infection during pregnancy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test. The process is quick, straightforward, and similar to a routine blood test.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. No changes to your routine are necessary beforehand.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before going for your sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical background, as this is required for the test
- Inform the healthcare professional about any medications you are currently taking, particularly recent antibiotic use
- Stay well hydrated, as this makes the blood draw easier
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily for arm access
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will ask you to sit comfortably and rest your arm on a flat surface.
- The skin over a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow, is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small amount of blood (approximately 3 ml) is drawn into a yellow-top serum separator tube.
- The sample is gently labelled and prepared for transport to the laboratory.
- The serum is separated from the blood cells within two hours of collection and stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is tested using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test results. Be aware of the following:
- Testing too soon after exposure (within the first two to three weeks) may give a false-negative result, as the body takes time to produce detectable antibodies
- Recent antibiotic use may suppress antibody levels
- Other concurrent infections or recent vaccinations may affect antibody readings
- Immunocompromised individuals (those with weakened immune systems) may show delayed or reduced antibody responses
- Early primary infection may produce antibodies that cross-react with other Chlamydia species
Understanding Your Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test Results
Your results show antibody levels detected in your blood sample. Interpreting them requires clinical context, so always review your report with a qualified doctor.
| Parameter | Negative (Normal) Range | Positive Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C. trachomatis IgG | Below 1:64 | At or above 1:64 | Titres at or above 1:512 may indicate recent infection |
| C. trachomatis IgM | Below 1:20 | At or above 1:20 | Titres of 1:20 or more are considered presumptive evidence of infection |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can make interpretation more complex:
- A positive IgG result does not always mean you are currently infected. IgG antibodies can remain in the blood for years after a past infection has cleared.
- Chlamydia is often asymptomatic in up to 80% of women and 50% of men. A lack of symptoms does not rule out infection.
- A negative IgM result does not completely exclude recent infection, as some individuals do not produce detectable IgM antibodies even when infected.
- If active infection is suspected, a follow-up NAAT test is recommended, as antibody testing alone cannot confirm current infection.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness practices can support your sexual health:
- Use barrier methods such as condoms consistently during sexual activity
- Get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections, particularly if you are under 25 or have multiple sexual partners
- If treated for chlamydia, complete the full course of treatment and ensure that sexual partners are also tested
Lupin Diagnostics Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test Price and Home Collection
The Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹3,000, with home sample collection available across multiple cities. The test is available Monday through Saturday.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 4000 |
| CHENNAI | 4000 |
| HYDERABAD | 4000 |
| KOLKATA | 3000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 3000 |
| PUNE | 4000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test home collection across cities, so you can give your blood sample from the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is shared with you promptly once ready.
How to Book
Follow these steps for easy online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This blood test detects two types of antibodies that your immune system produces when exposed to Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. IgM antibodies point to a more recent exposure, while IgG antibodies can indicate past or long-standing infection. Doctors use this test alongside other investigations to assess the likelihood of chlamydial infection.
No special preparation is needed. You do not need to fast before this test. However, you should bring your detailed clinical history, as the laboratory requires it to process and interpret the sample correctly.
No. The Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test detects antibodies, not the bacteria themselves. A positive result shows that your body has been exposed to the infection at some point, but it cannot confirm an active current infection on its own. Your doctor may recommend a NAAT test to confirm active infection.
Chlamydia is often called a "silent" infection because many people experience no symptoms at all. Testing can still uncover past exposure that may be causing undetected complications such as fallopian tube damage or infertility. If you are sexually active, periodic screening is advisable regardless of symptoms.
The body generally takes 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to produce detectable levels of IgG and IgM antibodies. Testing too early may produce a false-negative result. If your initial result is negative but infection is still suspected, your doctor may ask you to repeat the test after 10 to 21 days.
A positive IgG result indicates that your body has been exposed to C. trachomatis at some point. Because IgG antibodies can stay in the blood for many years after an infection has resolved, a positive result alone does not confirm a current, active infection. Your doctor will assess this alongside your symptoms and may order follow-up testing.
Yes, this test may be included as part of prenatal screening, particularly to assess a pregnant woman's exposure history. Chlamydial infection during pregnancy is associated with complications for both the mother and the newborn. That said, NAAT testing remains the preferred method for detecting active infection during pregnancy.
Chlamydia Trachomatis IgG & IgM Antibodies Test: Booking, Price, and Results
