What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a sudden fever, cough, muscle aches, or pneumonia-like symptoms, especially after possible exposure to contaminated water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, or fountains. It helps determine if a Legionella bacterial infection could be the cause of your respiratory illness. It's also useful if you've had Pontiac fever-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches without full-blown pneumonia.

What's included in this test?

This test looks for IgM antibodies your immune system produces in response to Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which cause Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Detecting these antibodies helps confirm whether a recent respiratory illness might be linked to this specific bacterial infection rather than a virus or other cause.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the reference range explained so you can see exactly what your titer level means. If your IgM titer comes back elevated, it's a good idea to seek medical care promptly since Legionella infections can become serious, especially for older adults or those with weakened immune systems. If results are within the normal range but symptoms persist, retesting a few weeks later can help catch a rising titer. You can download a standard lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track changes if you test again.

How can I naturally support recovery from a respiratory infection?

Staying well hydrated helps thin mucus and supports your body's ability to clear infection. Getting extra rest allows your immune system to focus its energy on fighting the bacteria. Eating nutrient-dense foods with vitamin C and zinc, like citrus fruits and leafy greens, can help support immune function. Avoiding smoke and other lung irritants gives your respiratory system a better chance to heal.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Because antibody levels can take time to develop after infection, timing your test appropriately relative to symptom onset matters for accuracy. You'll be notified as soon as your results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with unexplained pneumonia, fever, and cough, particularly after travel, hotel stays, or exposure to hot tubs, decorative fountains, or large air conditioning systems, should consider this test. It's also relevant for people in outbreak-associated settings like hospitals, cruise ships, or apartment complexes with known water system issues. People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions may want to test sooner if symptoms appear.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for high fever, chills, a persistent cough (sometimes with mucus or blood), shortness of breath, chest pain, and muscle aches. Some people also experience headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea alongside respiratory symptoms. If these symptoms develop within about 2 to 10 days after possible exposure to contaminated water sources, this test can help identify the cause.

What is Legionella and why does it matter?

Legionella is a type of bacteria found naturally in water that can cause serious lung infections when inhaled through contaminated mist or vapor, such as from cooling towers, hot tubs, or plumbing systems. It matters because Legionnaires' disease can be severe and even life-threatening if not identified and addressed quickly, especially in older adults or people with weaker immune systems. Testing helps pinpoint the exact cause of pneumonia symptoms so appropriate care decisions can be made faster.

What does a high IgM antibody result mean?

A high IgM titer, generally above 1:256, suggests your immune system has recently encountered Legionella bacteria and may indicate an active or recent infection. This is considered presumptive evidence, meaning it strongly suggests infection but isn't the only piece of information used for confirmation. If your result is elevated and you have symptoms, seeking medical care right away is important since Legionella infections can progress quickly.

How often should I retest?

If your first test comes back negative but symptoms continue, retesting after 1 to 2 weeks can help catch antibodies that may not have fully developed yet. Comparing acute and convalescent samples showing a rise in titer helps confirm infection more definitively. Once symptoms resolve and results normalize, routine retesting typically isn't needed unless new exposure or symptoms occur.

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.

Legionella Antibody Test - Pneumonia Cause Screening

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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