What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing flu-like or pneumonia-like symptoms after living in or traveling to the southwestern United States, especially Arizona or California. Symptoms like persistent cough, fever, chest pain, and fatigue that don't improve with typical treatment can point to valley fever, a fungal lung infection. This test checks your blood for antibodies your body makes in response to that fungus.

What's included in this test?

This test looks for two types of antibodies your immune system produces when fighting a fungal infection called Coccidioides. Checking both antibody types helps catch infections at different stages, since one type tends to appear earlier and the other later in the course of illness. Together they give a more complete picture than checking for just one.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with an explanation of what each value means. If your IgG or IgM comes back positive, a complement fixation test is automatically run at an added cost to confirm the finding. If your results are negative but symptoms continue, retesting or additional evaluation may be worthwhile since a negative result doesn't fully rule out infection. You can download a standard lab report anytime and track any repeat testing over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support my immune system during recovery?

Getting enough rest, staying well hydrated, and eating a nutrient-rich diet can help your body fight off a fungal infection like valley fever. Avoiding smoking and reducing dust exposure in high-risk areas can also lower strain on your lungs while you recover. These steps support your immune response but don't replace appropriate care if symptoms are severe.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. If your initial antibody test is positive, the reflex complement fixation test may add a little extra time since it's performed as a follow-up step. You'll be notified as soon as your full results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has lived in or recently traveled to endemic regions like Arizona, California, or parts of Central and South America and is experiencing unexplained respiratory symptoms should consider this test. It's especially relevant if you've had pneumonia-like symptoms that haven't responded to standard antibiotics. People with weakened immune systems in these areas may also want to test proactively if exposed to dusty environments.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include a cough that won't go away, fever, night sweats, chest pain, fatigue, and joint aches, particularly after time spent in dusty, dry regions of the southwestern U.S. Some people also notice a skin rash. If these symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks without explanation, this test can help identify a fungal cause.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive IgG or IgM result suggests your immune system has encountered the Coccidioides fungus and may indicate an active or recent infection. In states like Arizona and California, a positive result along with other lab findings can confirm a diagnosis of valley fever. Since the infection can range from mild to serious, tracking your symptoms and retesting as needed helps you understand how things are progressing.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means no antibodies were detected, but this doesn't completely rule out infection, especially if you were tested early before your body had time to build a detectable antibody response. If symptoms continue, retesting a few weeks later can help catch an infection that wasn't detectable the first time. Your body typically needs one to three weeks after exposure to produce measurable antibodies.

How often should I retest?

If your first test is negative but symptoms persist, retesting after two to three weeks is often recommended to catch antibodies that may not have developed yet. If you're monitoring a confirmed infection, periodic retesting can help track whether antibody levels are rising or falling over time. Your results history in your account trends feature makes it easy to compare tests side by side.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Valley Fever Antibody Test - IgG/IgM Coccidioides

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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