Candida Blood Test

A Candida blood test measures antibodies to assess how your immune system is responding to Candida exposure or overgrowth. It’s particularly useful for identifying immune-related patterns behind ongoing symptoms. Urine and blood tests each offer unique insights: urine tests detect Candida by-products in real-time, while blood tests reveal how your body has reacted over time, making them complementary tools in a thorough assessment.

Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in the human gut. In small amounts, it’s usually harmless, but when it overgrows, it can contribute to a range of digestive and systemic symptoms, from bloating and fatigue to recurring infections and inflammation.

If you suspect Candida overgrowth may be affecting your health, a Candida blood test can help identify whether your immune system is actively responding to this yeast. At IBS Clinics, we offer reliable at-home Candida antibody testing, supported by expert clinical guidance to help you understand your results and move forward with an effective, personalised treatment plan.

Can a Blood Test Show Candida?

Yes, a blood test can show whether your immune system is reacting to Candida albicans, the yeast most commonly involved in Candida overgrowth. However, it’s important to understand what this type of test actually measures.

The Candida blood test used at IBS Clinics assesses specific antibodies produced by your immune system: IgG, IgA, and IgM. These antibodies indicate how your body has responded to Candida over time:

IgM suggests a recent or ongoing infection [1]
IgG indicates past exposure or longer-term immune activity [2]
IgA may reflect a superficial or mucosal-level response [3]

This type of testing doesn’t detect live Candida organisms in the blood. Instead, it shows how your immune system is reacting, which can be helpful in identifying whether overgrowth has occurred, either in the gut or elsewhere in the body.

Blood vs Urine Testing: Which Is Right for You?

Both urine and blood tests can provide valuable insights into Candida-related issues, depending on what you’re looking to uncover.

Urine tests measure organic acids (by-products of Candida metabolism) and can indicate fungal activity in the body. They’re a useful, non-invasive way to assess current metabolic imbalances and are often included as part of a broader functional health profile.

Blood tests, on the other hand, assess your immune system’s response to Candida by measuring antibody levels (IgG, IgA, IgM). This can help identify past exposure, ongoing immune activation, or superficial infections, even when fungal metabolites may not be elevated in urine.

If your symptoms have been persistent or unclear, or if you’re trying to understand how your immune system is reacting to Candida over time, a blood test may offer greater diagnostic clarity. Many people choose to use both test types at different stages of their health journey, depending on the information they need.

What the Candida Blood Test Can Detect

Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract
Immune response to systemic or mucosal Candida exposure
Insight into chronic or recurring symptoms potentially linked to Candida

What It Can’t Detect

A confirmed diagnosis of systemic candidiasis (a rare and serious infection requiring hospital care)
Localised infections like oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections (these are usually diagnosed clinically)

For individuals with unexplained digestive issues, fatigue, or recurring infections, this test can be a useful starting point in identifying whether Candida may be contributing to symptoms.

IBS Clinics offers this test for patients across the UK, with the option for remote consultations and tailored treatment recommendations based on your results.

What Are the Symptoms of Candida in the Blood?

When Candida overgrows in the body, it can trigger a range of symptoms, particularly when your immune system begins to react to its presence. In clinical settings, we distinguish between systemic Candida infections (which are rare and serious) and more common cases of gut-related overgrowth or immune sensitisation detected through antibody testing.

Symptoms of Gut-Related Candida Overgrowth

These are often non-specific but may include:

Persistent bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort
Recurring oral thrush or fungal infections (e.g. toenail or skin)
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Fatigue or low energy
Strong sugar or carbohydrate cravings
Skin issues (e.g. rashes, eczema-like flare-ups)
Irregular bowel movements

These symptoms may be subtle or intermittent, which is why testing can help provide clarity, especially if you’ve ruled out other causes like IBS, SIBO, or food intolerances.

When Should You Consider Testing?

Addressing Candida overgrowth properly can make a significant difference to your daily life. Many people live with ongoing symptoms like fatigue, digestive discomfort, brain fog, or recurring infections, assuming they’re just part of life or something to put up with.

When Candida is identified and treated with the right support, these symptoms can often improve. Rather than hoping the issue resolves on its own, getting tested and starting a targeted treatment plan can help you feel clearer, more energised, and in control of your health again.

Candida blood testing may be appropriate if:

You have persistent gut symptoms without a clear diagnosis
You’ve experienced recurrent yeast or fungal infections
You have a history of antibiotic use, gut dysbiosis, or immune dysregulation
You’re exploring functional or holistic treatment for digestive or immune-related concerns

If you’re unsure whether Candida could be a factor in your symptoms, our team at IBS Clinics can advise on whether testing is the right next step.

How Can I Test Myself for Candida?

If you’re experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, recurring infections, or fatigue that hasn’t been explained by standard tests, you may be wondering how to confirm whether Candida is playing a role. In the UK, one of the most reliable ways to explore this is with a Candida antibody blood test through IBS Clinics.

At-Home Testing with IBS Clinics

Our Candida blood test measures IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies, helping to determine whether your immune system is reacting to Candida. The test requires a serum sample, which means a phlebotomy appointment will need to be arranged with a laboratory partner. Alternatively, for an extra fee, a nurse phlebotomist can visit your home. The test will include:

Return packaging for laboratory analysis
A detailed report with your results
The option to book a consultation with one of our practitioners

Who Is This Test For?

This test is suitable for individuals who:

Suspect Candida overgrowth is contributing to symptoms
Have a history of antibiotic use, gut imbalance, or recurring fungal infections
Want to investigate chronic digestive symptoms without a confirmed diagnosis
Are looking for a functional medicine approach to gut health

What Happens After the Test?

Once your results are returned, you’ll have the option to book an online consultation with one of our functional medicine practitioners or nutritionists. We’ll help interpret your results in context, discuss any coexisting issues (like SIBO or food sensitivities), and develop a tailored treatment plan based on your needs.

Probiotics, diet, antifungal support, and gut healing strategies may all be part of your plan, but it starts with understanding what your body is reacting to. Testing provides the insight. The right support turns it into action.

Why Choose IBS Clinics for Candida Blood Testing and Treatment?

At IBS Clinics, we specialise in getting to the root cause of complex digestive symptoms, including those linked to Candida overgrowth. Our service goes far beyond a simple lab report. We combine accurate testing with expert-led interpretation and a personalised plan for long-term improvement.

What You Can Expect

Expert analysis of your results – Our team will explain what your IgG, IgA, and IgM levels mean in the context of your health, not just in isolation.
Online consultations with experienced practitioners – Our functional medicine team understands how Candida can interact with other gut conditions like IBS or SIBO.
Tailored treatment plans – Based on your history and test results, we may recommend a personalised mix of probiotics, antifungal supplements, dietary changes, and gut support.

You don’t need to work this all out alone or rely on generic advice. Our holistic approach is designed to address the full picture, of which Candida is just one piece.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Order your Candida Blood Test online or book a consultation with one of our practitioners to discuss the best course of action for your symptoms.

At IBS Clinics, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and create a clear plan to help you feel better.

References

Eades et al. (2023) Comparison of β-1-3-D-Glucan and Candida Mannan Biomarker Assays with Serological Tests for the Diagnosis of Candidemia. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37623584/
Clancy et al. (2008) Immunoglobulin G responses to a panel of Candida albicans antigens as accurate and early markers for the presence of systemic candidiasis. Journal of clinical microbiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18322056/
Sousa-Pereira and Woof (2019) IgA: Structure, Function, and Developability. Antibodies (Basel, Switzerland). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31817406/

Author – Tracey Randell

At IBS Clinics, Tracey Randell, a renowned Nutritional Therapist and one of the few IFM Certified Practitioners in the UK, extends her specialised knowledge and unique approach to managing and treating IBS and other gut-related conditions effectively.

Tracey’s profound understanding of Functional Medicine allows her to connect the dots for complex health conditions, identifying and addressing the root causes to curate personalised and comprehensive health plans for her patients. Her holistic approach focuses on resolving underlying imbalances and optimising gut health, enabling the body to correct other issues and attain overall well-being.

At IBS Clinics, we are dedicated to being your partner in navigating your gut-related health concerns, offering expert care and individualised treatment plans to alleviate your IBS symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.