What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a persistent cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, or fatigue that won't go away, especially if it feels like a lingering chest cold. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common bacteria behind "walking pneumonia," an illness that can drag on for weeks with mild but stubborn symptoms. This test helps identify whether this bacteria is the cause of your ongoing respiratory symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a positive, negative, or borderline result means. If your result is positive, resting, staying hydrated, and monitoring your symptoms are good first steps, and you should seek medical care right away if you develop trouble breathing or a high fever. A downloadable lab report is available in your account for your records. You can also use the trends feature to track your results if you get retested later on.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a cough and mild respiratory symptoms lasting more than a week or two, particularly if standard cold or flu symptoms don't seem to fit, should consider this test. It's especially useful for people in close-contact settings like schools, dorms, or households where someone else has been diagnosed with walking pneumonia. People with mild pneumonia symptoms who want a quick answer without waiting weeks for a culture also benefit from this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include a dry, nagging cough, low-grade fever, headache, sore throat, and tiredness that lasts longer than a typical cold. Some people also notice chest discomfort or mild wheezing without feeling severely ill, which is why it's nicknamed "walking pneumonia." If these symptoms have lasted more than one to two weeks, this test can help identify the cause.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification once your report is ready to view in your account. If your result comes back borderline, it may mean the test needs to be repeated to get a clear answer.

What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae and why does it matter?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that spreads through respiratory droplets and is a leading cause of mild pneumonia, often called walking pneumonia. It matters because it's easy to mistake for a regular cold, but it can linger for weeks and sometimes lead to more serious lung problems if untreated. Identifying it early helps you take the right recovery steps sooner.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive IgA result means you've likely had recent or ongoing contact with Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. This antibody usually shows up when your body is actively fighting or has recently fought this infection. Rest, fluids, and monitoring your symptoms are reasonable next steps, and you should seek medical care if symptoms worsen or breathing becomes difficult.

What does a negative or borderline result mean?

A negative result means the antibody wasn't detected, but this doesn't fully rule out infection, especially if you're tested early when antibody levels are still low. A borderline result means the test couldn't give a clear positive or negative answer, so retesting after a week or two is often recommended. Timing matters a lot with this type of test since antibodies take time to build up.

How often should I retest?

If your first test was negative or borderline but your symptoms are still present, retesting after 1-2 weeks can give a clearer picture as antibody levels rise. If you test positive and your symptoms resolve, retesting typically isn't necessary. Keep track of any repeat tests using the trends feature in your account.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive and you're feeling unwell, focus on rest, staying hydrated, and giving your body time to recover, since walking pneumonia often clears up gradually. Keep an eye on your symptoms and seek medical care immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or a high fever. For borderline results, retesting in a week or two can help confirm the diagnosis.

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.

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgA - Walking Pneumonia Test

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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