What is the Pneumonia (Atypical) Screen?

The Pneumonia (Atypical) Screen is a blood test panel designed to detect antibodies associated with atypical bacterial causes of pneumonia. These organisms often cause respiratory infections that do not present like classic bacterial pneumonia and may not respond to standard antibiotics.

This screen includes:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM & IgG

• Chlamydia pneumoniae (MIF)

• Legionella pneumophila (IF)

Atypical pneumonia pathogens commonly cause prolonged cough, fatigue, chest discomfort, and mild or absent fever. Antibody testing helps determine whether infection is recent, ongoing, or past.

Why do I need a test for Pneumonia (Atypical)?

Atypical pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often subtle, prolonged, or mistaken for viral illness. This screen helps identify infections that may otherwise go untreated or incorrectly treated.

It is particularly useful when chest symptoms persist, antibiotics have been ineffective, or imaging suggests pneumonia without a clear bacterial cause.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening cough

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain or tightness

• Prolonged fatigue or weakness

• Mild or absent fever

• Flu-like symptoms lasting several weeks

• Poor response to standard antibiotics

• Suspected exposure to contaminated water or air systems

Benefits of the Pneumonia (Atypical) Screen

1. Identifies non-typical pneumonia causes
   Detects pathogens not seen on routine bacterial testing.

2. Supports targeted treatment decisions
   Helps guide appropriate antibiotic selection.

3. Differentiates bacterial from viral illness
   Clarifies cause of prolonged respiratory symptoms.

4. Useful when chest X-ray findings are unclear
   Adds diagnostic clarity when imaging is inconclusive.

5. Detects recent and past infections
   IgM and IgG antibodies indicate infection timing.

6. Supports investigation of chronic cough
   Particularly valuable for lingering respiratory symptoms.

7. Relevant for community and travel-related infections
   Legionella exposure is often environment-related.

8. Comprehensive respiratory infection assessment
   Combines three major atypical pneumonia pathogens in one test.

Step-by-step – how we offer Pneumonia (Atypical) Screen testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• A qualified clinician or phlebotomist collects your blood sample

• Sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood sample collected in a comfortable, familiar setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your Pneumonia (Atypical) Screen results explained

Negative antibodies

Negative results suggest no evidence of recent or past atypical pneumonia infection. Symptoms may be due to viral illness, typical bacterial infection, or non-infectious causes.

Further respiratory evaluation may still be required if symptoms persist.

UK reference interpretation:

• Negative: Not detected

IgM positive / recent infection

Positive IgM antibodies indicate a recent or active atypical pneumonia infection. This suggests current immune response and likely contribution to symptoms.

Clinical correlation and targeted treatment may be considered.

UK reference interpretation:

• IgM: Detected

IgG positive / past infection

Positive IgG antibodies indicate previous exposure or infection. This suggests past immune response and is often seen after recovery.

IgG positivity alone does not usually indicate active infection.

UK reference interpretation:

• IgG: Detected