Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Amoebic Serology IgG, E. histolytica Antibody (IgG), Amoeba Serology Test, Amoebiasis Antibodies IgG, Anti-E. histolytica Antibodies |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (Serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 48 to 72 hours |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,500 |
What is an Entamoeba Histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test?
The Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody Serum test checks for specific immune proteins in your blood called IgG antibodies. Your body produces these antibodies when it encounters the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amoebiasis. A small blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Doctors order this test when they suspect an amoebic infection, particularly in patients with persistent digestive symptoms or a history of travel to tropical regions.
What Does an Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test Measure?
This test measures one key marker in your blood. The table below explains what is being assessed and why it matters:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| E. histolytica IgG Antibody | Detects immune proteins produced in response to infection with the Entamoeba histolytica parasite. These antibodies appear within a week or more of infection and can remain in the blood long after the infection has cleared. |
As IgG antibodies persist for years, a positive result can reflect either a current infection or past exposure. Your doctor will use this result alongside other findings to reach a diagnosis.
Why is an Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test Done?
The amoebiasis test is ordered when a doctor suspects an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, especially when symptoms point to the digestive tract or liver.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend the Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody Serum test if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Fever without an obvious cause
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Persistent loose stools that do not resolve with routine treatment
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The amoebiasis test near me is commonly searched by patients whose doctors suspect one of the following conditions:
- Amoebic liver abscess, which is the most frequent complication outside the gut
- Amoebic colitis (also called amoebic dysentery), which causes bloody diarrhoea and fever
- Invasive amoebiasis, where the infection spreads beyond the intestine
- Differentiation of amoebic liver cysts from other causes of liver or pancreatic abnormalities
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Collecting a blood sample for this test is a quick and routine process. Here is everything you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You may eat and drink as normal before your sample is collected. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A little preparation helps the collection go smoothly. Keep these points in mind:
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, as some may affect results.
- Share your full medical history, including any recent illnesses or hospital visits.
- Mention any recent travel to tropical or subtropical regions where amoebiasis is common.
- Drink adequate water before your appointment to keep your veins visible and accessible.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Here is what to expect:
- The phlebotomist (a trained professional who performs blood draws) cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A soft band called a tourniquet is tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein, and a few millilitres of blood are drawn.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site to stop any minor bleeding.
- The blood sample is labelled and stored safely for transport to the laboratory.
- At the lab, serum is separated from the blood cells within two hours of collection and tested for IgG antibodies.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of your results. These include:
- Testing too early, before antibodies have had time to develop (usually less than one week after infection onset)
- Past infections in areas where amoebiasis is common, which can cause antibodies to remain detectable for years
- A weakened immune system, which may reduce the antibody response
- Recent use of antibiotics or other medications
- Improper handling or delayed separation of the blood sample
Understanding Your Entamoeba Histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test Results
Your result will be reported as Negative, Equivocal, or Positive, as explained below:
| Result Category | Range (Units) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | 8 U or below | No significant IgG antibody detected |
| Equivocal | 9 to 11 U | Borderline result; repeat testing may be advised |
| Positive | 12 U or above | Antibodies detected; may indicate current or past 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 results harder to interpret. Your doctor will factor these in when reviewing your report.
People living in or frequently travelling to regions where amoebiasis is widespread may test positive even without an active infection, because IgG antibodies can persist in the blood for several years after the original infection. The antibody response also varies by disease type: it is strongest in patients with amoebic liver abscess, lower in intestinal amoebiasis, and negligible in those who carry the parasite without showing symptoms.
Doctors generally do not rely on this test alone to diagnose non-invasive intestinal disease.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test detects a parasitic infection rather than a chronic condition, you can reduce your risk of exposure through simple habits:
- Practise regular hand washing with soap and water, particularly before meals and after using the toilet.
- Drink only purified or boiled water when visiting areas with limited sanitation.
- Wash, peel, or thoroughly cook fruits and vegetables, especially when travelling in endemic regions.
Lupin Diagnostics Entamoeba Histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test Price and Home Collection
The Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody Serum test price starts at approximately ₹1,500, and home collection is available across multiple cities. The table below shows indicative prices by city:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1,500 |
| Bengaluru | ₹1,500 |
| Chennai | ₹1,500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,500 |
| Pune | ₹1,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection across cities, so you can have your blood drawn at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is sent directly to you via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test detects IgG antibodies in your blood that your immune system produces in response to infection with Entamoeba histolytica. It is most useful for supporting the diagnosis of invasive disease, particularly amoebic liver abscess. Doctors may order it alongside stool examination or imaging tests for a fuller picture.
Not necessarily. IgG antibodies can remain in the blood for several years after an infection has resolved. Your doctor may request additional tests, such as a stool examination or abdominal ultrasound, to confirm whether the infection is currently active.
The test is highly accurate for this condition. Serological testing identifies IgG antibodies in approximately 95% of patients with amoebic liver abscess and in more than 70% of those with active intestinal infection. Sensitivity is lower in people who carry the parasite without symptoms.
Antibodies are generally not detectable until at least one week after infection begins. In patients with amoebic liver abscess, up to 95% are seropositive within two weeks of infection. If your test is negative but symptoms persist, your doctor may advise repeat testing after two to three weeks.
The IgG antibody test is useful in distinguishing amoebiasis from other causes of liver cysts and similar conditions. For more specific species-level differentiation, your doctor may recommend molecular testing such as PCR.
This test is appropriate if you have persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or fever, especially after travel to tropical or subtropical areas. It is also commonly ordered when an ultrasound or scan shows a suspected liver abscess.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as you normally would before your sample is collected. Simply inform the phlebotomist of any medications you are taking at the time of collection.
Entamoeba histolytica IgG Antibody (Amoebiasis) – Serum Test: Booking, Price, and Results
