Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody (IgM) Test
The Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test measures IgM antibodies produced in response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium associated with atypical, or walking, pneumonia.
About this test
Quest describes Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the smallest known free-living organism and reports it causes about 10-20% of pneumonia cases, including so-called walking or atypical pneumonia in otherwise healthy individuals. This test measures IgM antibodies to that organism in a 1 mL serum sample using immunoassay methodology.
IgM antibodies are generally associated with a more recent immune response than IgG, so this test is often considered alongside a Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG test to give a clinician a fuller antibody picture, read together with symptoms and timing.
Who might consider this test?
- Because IgM reflects a different point in the antibody response than IgG, the reason for testing and its timing shape how the result is read.
Test details
| Quest code | 21130 |
|---|---|
| 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 IgM antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in serum. Quest lists it under names including pneumoniae IgM and Mycoplasma IgM, which refer to this same antibody measurement.
How it's often used alongside other tests
Because IgM and IgG reflect different points in an antibody response, this test is often ordered alongside the Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgG test. A clinician reads the two together with symptoms and history rather than relying on either antibody class 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 the Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM test measure?
It measures IgM antibodies produced in response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium associated with atypical, or walking, pneumonia, 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 causing about 10-20% of pneumonia cases, sometimes referred to as walking or atypical pneumonia, in otherwise healthy individuals.
Is this the same as the IgG 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.
What does a Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibody test cost without insurance?
$80. Celio Health's price is a flat cash price and insurance is never billed: the required physician's order is included.