Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody (IgG) Test
The Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG test measures IgG antibodies produced in response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium associated with a portion of pneumonia cases, including so-called walking pneumonia.
About this test
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is described by Quest as the smallest known free-living organism, and it is associated with roughly 10-20% of pneumonia cases, sometimes called walking or atypical pneumonia, which can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. This test measures IgG antibodies to that organism in a 1 mL serum sample using immunoassay methodology.
IgG antibodies typically reflect a past or ongoing immune response rather than a brand-new infection, so a clinician reads the result together with symptoms, timing, and any other tests ordered, such as an IgM antibody test, to build a fuller picture.
Who might consider this test?
- Because IgG reflects antibody history rather than an active-infection marker on its own, the reason for testing shapes how the result is read.
Test details
| Quest code | 659 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immunoassay |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
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Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports the level of IgG antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in serum. Quest lists it under names including Mycoplasma IgG and pneumoniae IgG, which refer to this same antibody measurement.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Because a single antibody class tells only part of the story, Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG is often considered alongside an IgM antibody test, which reflects a more recent response. Together, and read with symptoms and history, they give a clinician a fuller sense of the antibody picture.
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 the Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG test measure?
It measures IgG antibodies produced in response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium associated with a portion of pneumonia cases, using a 1 mL serum sample and immunoassay methodology.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 1 mL serum sample from a routine blood draw.
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.
How is Mycoplasma pneumoniae linked to pneumonia?
Quest describes it as associated with approximately 10-20% of pneumonia cases, sometimes referred to as walking or atypical pneumonia, which can affect otherwise healthy individuals.
Is this the same as the IgM antibody test?
No. IgG and IgM are separate antibody classes to the same organism, and Quest lists them as distinct tests that are sometimes ordered together.
Can I get the Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody test without a doctor's visit or insurance?
Yes. The $75 cash price includes an independent physician's order, so no referral is needed, and insurance is never involved.