Chlamydia trachomatis IgM

This test measures IgM antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis, the organism that causes chlamydial infection. Antibodies reflect the immune response and are not equivalent to detecting the bacterium at the site of current inflammation. They may not appear immediately and may persist after contact.

For diagnosing an uncomplicated current urogenital infection, nucleic acid detection methods in an appropriate specimen are preferred to isolated serology. A positive result does not establish the site or timing of infection and does not replace medical assessment. The test’s applicability depends on the specific clinical question.

• Assess the antibody response to C. trachomatis when clinically indicated.
• Clarify the need for direct detection of the organism.