Cysticercus Antibody IgG (Tapeworm) Test
The Cysticercus antibody IgG test measures antibodies to the larval form of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium in a blood sample. Quest describes it as a way to help identify parasitic infection caused by ingesting T. solium eggs, which can affect various organs in the body.
About this test
Cysticercosis is a tissue infection that occurs when the body becomes an intermediate host for larval cysts of the pork tapeworm T. solium. This test looks for IgG antibodies the immune system produces in response to that infection, using an ELISA method on a serum sample.
Quest notes that antibodies to other parasitic infections, particularly echinococcosis, can cross-react in this assay, and recommends confirming a positive ELISA result with a separate IgG antibody western blot test.
Test details
| Quest code | 34173 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | ELISA |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Reference range
<0.90
Reference ranges are general guidance. The range printed on your own laboratory report is the one that applies to your result.
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports whether IgG antibodies to Cysticercus are present in serum, using an ELISA method. Quest also lists it as Cysticercus Antibody (IgG), ELISA, Serum Taenia solium (Tapeworm) and Cystercosis Antibody.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Because antibodies to other parasites, particularly echinococcosis, can cross-react with this assay, Quest recommends confirming a positive result with a separate IgG antibody western blot test rather than relying on the ELISA result alone.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
It measures IgG antibodies to Cysticercus, the larval form of the pork tapeworm T. solium, using an ELISA method on a serum sample.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a serum sample from a routine blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No preparation instructions are listed for this test, though people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides.
What happens if the result is positive?
Quest recommends confirming a positive ELISA result with a separate IgG antibody western blot test, since antibodies to other parasitic infections such as echinococcosis can cross-react in this assay. A clinician interprets the overall picture.
Is this the same as a tapeworm stool test?
No. This is a blood test for IgG antibodies to the larval form of T. solium, not a stool-based test for tapeworm segments or eggs.
How much does the Cysticercus Antibody , ELISA, Serum test cost?
The cash price at Celio Health is $175. That covers the physician's order and sample collection at a Quest patient service center — no insurance is needed and there's no separate doctor's visit to pay for.