Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (IgG, IgM)

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

DetailsMycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (IgG, IgM) – This test helps detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Respiratory tract infections including community-acquired pneumonia are common reasons for testing for M pneumoniae, especially in children [3,4].

Clinical presentations of M pneumoniae infection are generally mild, but can vary widely across individuals, and are most often characterized by tracheobronchitis with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Approximately one-third of people with M pneumoniae infection develop pneumonia that was previously considered "atypical." Extrapulmonary complications may include encephalitis, hemolytic anemia, renal dysfunction, gastrointestinal complaints, erythema multiforme, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome [1,2].

M pneumoniae infection is diagnosed by culture, serology, or nucleic acid amplification tests. Serologic tests may be useful when the possibility of Mycoplasma infection is high. A positive IgG result indicates previous or recent infection. Testing children who have suspected community-acquired pneumonia for M pneumoniae may help guide antibiotic selection [3,4].

Clinical false-negative results for IgG- and IgM-based serologic tests can occur due to compromised immunity, testing before an antibody response has started, or the presence of interfering substances in host serum.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for M pneumoniae DNA is more sensitive than serology testing and can provide timely results to inform patient management [2]. IgA antibodies to M pneumoniae appear early; testing IgA antibodies may aid in identifying acute infection [1].

The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical history and physical examination findings.

References
1. Waites KB, et al. Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. In: Carroll KC, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th ed. ASM Press; 2019. https://www.clinmicronow.org/doi/book/10.1128/9781683670438.MCM.ch64
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections. Last reviewed June 5, 2020. Accessed January 27, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/hcp/index.html
3. Miller JM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2018;67(6):813-816.
4. Bradley JS, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;53(7):617-630.

What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL serum

Test ResourcesFor more information, please consult your healthcare provider.

Additional test information

Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (IgG, IgM) – This test helps detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. Respiratory tract infections including community-acquired pneumonia are common reasons for testing for M pneumoniae, especially in children.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Serum
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.