What is Atypical Pneumonia Testing?

Atypical pneumonia differs from the more common bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is triggered by less typical bacterial organisms that do not respond to standard antibiotics such as penicillin. These infections are often milder, progress slowly, and can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms or X-rays alone.

At London Blood Tests, our Atypical Pneumonia Screen identifies antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. These bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets and can affect anyone, though the risk is higher among healthcare workers, students, office employees, and people exposed to air-conditioning systems.

This test is particularly useful when patients experience prolonged respiratory symptoms without a clear cause or response to conventional treatment. It helps differentiate between viral infections, typical bacterial pneumonia, or an atypical bacterial infection, guiding your GP toward the most effective management plan.

Our test uses advanced immunoassay methods to detect both IgM and IgG antibodies, allowing us to determine whether the infection is recent, ongoing, or past. Following your results, you can discuss your findings in a GP consultation, available both online and in person, for advice on treatment or follow-up investigations.

Why Do I Need an Atypical Pneumonia Blood Test?

You may need an Atypical Pneumonia Screen if you have ongoing respiratory symptoms that don’t improve with standard antibiotics or if you’ve been exposed to potential sources of infection, such as cooling towers, air conditioning units, or crowded indoor environments.

Common reasons for testing include:

• Persistent or dry cough lasting more than two weeks
• Chest discomfort or pain when breathing
• Fever, chills, or sweats that come and go
• Fatigue, weakness, or muscle aches
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Sore throat or mild upper respiratory symptoms that worsen
• Pneumonia that has not responded to first-line treatment

Atypical pneumonia, sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia”, can cause lingering fatigue and mild respiratory distress, especially in younger adults. Testing ensures the infection is correctly identified so that you receive the right course of antibiotics, improving recovery time and preventing recurrence.

Our in-house GP consultation service allows you to discuss your results and receive evidence-based recommendations for treatment, lifestyle modification, or further testing if needed.

Benefits of Atypical Pneumonia Screen

• Comprehensive Multi-Pathogen Detection
  This test identifies antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila, three of the most frequent atypical pneumonia pathogens. Detecting multiple organisms in a single test reduces diagnostic uncertainty and improves accuracy.

• Differentiates Between Past and Current Infections
  By measuring both IgM (recent infection) and IgG (past infection), clinicians can determine whether symptoms are due to a new or previous bacterial infection. This distinction helps guide timely treatment.

• Targeted Antibiotic Therapy
  Results from this test enable physicians to choose the most effective antibiotic, such as macrolides or tetracyclines, instead of prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics unnecessarily.

• Improved Clinical Decision-Making
  The test supports GP assessment in distinguishing between viral infections, typical pneumonia, and atypical bacterial infections, allowing for precise care.

• Faster Recovery & Prevention of Complications
  Early and accurate diagnosis prevents prolonged illness, lung inflammation, or hospitalisation, particularly in vulnerable groups like the elderly or immunocompromised patients.

• GP Consultation & Medical Guidance
  Your results include the option to speak with a London Blood Tests GP, who will interpret your results, explain what they mean, and recommend next steps or treatment.

• Flexible Testing Options
  Whether you prefer visiting our London clinic or using a home collection kit, both options are designed for convenience, accuracy, and confidentiality.

Step-by-Step: How the Test Works

In-Clinic Testing at London Blood Tests

1. Book Your Appointment
   Schedule your appointment online at your nearest London Blood Tests location. Same-day slots are often available.
2. Pre-Test Consultation (Optional)
   You can discuss your symptoms with one of our GPs before testing, ensuring the right diagnostic approach is selected.
3. Sample Collection
   A qualified clinician will collect a small venous blood sample from your arm. The process takes about 5–10 minutes.
4. Laboratory Analysis
   Your sample is transported securely to a UKAS-accredited laboratory, where advanced ELISA testing is performed to measure IgM and IgG antibodies.
5. Quality Control and Verification
   All results are verified by experienced biomedical scientists to ensure reliability and diagnostic accuracy.
6. Results Delivery
   You will receive your digital report within 10 business days, securely accessible online.
7. GP Consultation and Care Plan
   After receiving your results, you can book a follow-up consultation with a GP to discuss interpretation, treatment, and next steps.

At-Home Blood Draw (UK-Wide Service)

1. Book Your Appointment
• Schedule your at-home or hotel phlebotomy visit online or by phone.
• Choose a date and time that suits your schedule, same-day or next-day appointments are often available in London and surrounding areas.
2. Professional Phlebotomist Visit
• A trained and certified phlebotomist arrives at your location equipped with sterile, single-use medical supplies.
• The service is discreet, convenient, and follows strict infection-control standards.
3. Sample Collection
• The phlebotomist draws a small venous blood sample (1–2 serum tubes) from your arm, the same as in-clinic.
• The process takes approximately 10 minutes and is comfortable, hygienic, and minimally invasive.
4. Sample Handling and Transport
• Your sample is labelled, sealed, and placed in a temperature-controlled biohazard container.
• It is then couriered directly to our UKAS-accredited laboratory the same day for analysis.
5. Laboratory Testing
• The lab performs the ELISA and immunofluorescence (IFA) assays to detect IgM and IgG antibodies for multiple arboviruses.
• All testing follows ISO 15189 quality standards to ensure precise results.
6. Results Delivery
• Results are typically available within 10 business days after lab receipt.
• You will be notified by email once your digital report is ready in your secure online account.
7. Optional GP Consultation
• If your test is positive or you have ongoing symptoms, you can book an optional GP consultation (via phone or video) for expert interpretation, travel advice, and next-step recommendations.

Your Atypical Pneumonia Blood Test Results – Explained

Your Atypical Pneumonia Screen measures two types of antibodies, IgM and IgG, which help determine whether you have a current, recent, or past infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, or Legionella pneumophila.

Here’s how to interpret your results:

• IgM antibodies (early response):
• Usually appear within the first 7–10 days after infection.
• A raised IgM value (typically above 10–11 U/mL or titre ≥1:64) indicates a recent or active infection.
• Your immune system is currently fighting the bacteria, and antibiotic treatment may be required.
• IgG antibodies (long-term response):
• Develop later, usually after 10–14 days, and can remain elevated for months or years.
• A raised IgG level (typically above 10–11 U/mL or titre ≥1:256) indicates past exposure or previous infection.
• This result usually means you have recovered, although mild residual symptoms can persist.
• Both IgM and IgG positive:
• Suggests an ongoing or re-infection, or that your immune system is transitioning from an active to a recovery phase.
• Your GP will interpret this alongside your symptoms, chest imaging, and medical history.
• Both IgM and IgG negative:
• Means no antibodies detected, suggesting no current or prior infection.
• If symptoms continue, your GP may advise repeating the test in 10–14 days, as early infection can produce false-negative results.
• Equivocal or borderline result:
• Indicates antibody levels are close to the diagnostic threshold.
• A repeat test is recommended to confirm whether infection is present or resolving.

All results are processed through UKAS-accredited laboratories following ISO 15189 standards, ensuring clinical precision and consistency with UK reference ranges.

After receiving your report, you can schedule a GP consultation with London Blood Tests to discuss your results in detail, understand what they mean for your health, and plan any necessary next steps such as antibiotics, imaging, or retesting.