Candida IgG and IgM Screen
Fungal nail infection
What is Candida?
Candida usually means Candida Albicans, which is a type of yeast. It is a normal inhabitant of the human gut and is responsible for breaking down complex sugars. However, when it becomes the dominant organism in the gut, it can contribute to many problems.
When the balance of Candida and other gut organisms is disturbed by antibiotics or dietary factors, Candida growth begins to dominate the gut and secretes high levels of antigens which can cause an immunological response. Factors which encourage Candida overgrowth include: antibiotics, oral contraceptives, steroid drugs, more than one pregnancy, smoking and sugar consumption.
What are the symptoms?
Candida overgrowth can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Headaches
- Fatigue or low energy
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Excess flatulence
- Muscle aches
- Bladder infections
- Fungal infections of the nail or skin
- Dry, itchy skin
- White coating on the tongue
- Joint swelling
- Mood swings
- Increased allergies
- Depression
Why test for Candida?
Because there are such a wide range of symptoms associated with Candida overrowth it isn’t always obvious that Candida is causing the problem. The oly way to know is to take a test so you can ensure he symptoms re correctly treated.
How does the test work?
CNS offer a test for the antibody response to Candida by measuring the IgG and IgM antibody levels using the highly accurate ELISA technology. High levels of IgG antibody can be indicative of past and ongoing infection. High levels of IgM antibody are more likely to indicate a current infection.
Sample requirements and test turnaround time.
A pin-prick blood sample is required. Results are available within 10 working days.