Blog

Oct 18, 2023

Aspergillus Precipitin Test: Preparation, Risks, and Results

Aspergillus precipitin is a laboratory test performed on your blood. It’s

Aspergillus precipitin is a laboratory test performed on your blood. It's ordered when a doctor suspects that you have an infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus.

The test may also be called:

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus, a fungus found in homes and outdoors. It's most commonly found on stored grains, and decaying vegetation such as dead leaves, stored grains, and compost piles. It may also be found on cannabis leaves.

Most people breathe these spores every day without getting sick. However, people who have weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to fungal infections.

This includes people with HIV or cancer and those taking immunosuppressant treatments such as chemotherapy or transplant anti-rejection drugs.

There are two types of aspergillosis people can get from this fungus.

This condition causes allergic reactions such as wheezing and coughing, especially in people who have asthma or cystic fibrosis. ABPA affects up to 19 percent of people who have cystic fibrosis.

Also called pulmonary aspergillosis, this infection can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. It can damage the lungs, kidneys, heart, brain, and nervous system, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of aspergillosis can vary. For example, one person may have a dry cough. Another may cough up large quantities of blood, which requires urgent medical care.

In general, aspergillosis symptoms include:

The symptoms of aspergillosis are similar to those of cystic fibrosis and asthma. However, people with asthma and cystic fibrosis who develop aspergillosis often get much sicker than people without these conditions. They can experience worsening symptoms, such as:

Aspergillus precipitin detects the type and quantity of specific Aspergillus antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are immunoglobulin proteins made by the immune system in response to harmful substances called antigens.

An antigenis a substance that your body recognizes as a threat. One example is an invading microorganism such as Aspergillus.

Each antibody the immune system makes is uniquely designed to defend the body against a specific antigen. There's no limit to the number of different antibodies a healthy immune system can make.

Each time the body encounters a new antigen, it makes the corresponding antibody to fight it.

There are five classes of immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies:

IgM and IgG are the most frequently tested. These antibodies work together to protect the body against infections. IgE antibodies are usually associated with allergies.

The aspergillus precipitin test looks for IgM, IgG, and IgE antibodies in the blood. This helps to determine the presence of Aspergillus and how the fungus might be affecting the body.

Your doctor will instruct you if you need to fast before the blood test. Otherwise, no preparation is needed.

A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow. They will first clean the site with a germ-killing antiseptic and then wrap an elastic band around the arm, causing the vein to swell with blood.

They’ll gently insert a syringe into the vein. Blood will collect in the syringe tube. When the tube is full, the needle is removed.

The elastic band is then removed, and the needle puncture site is covered with sterile gauze to stop bleeding.

It's common to feel some pain when blood is drawn. This may be only a slight sting or possibly moderate pain with some throbbing after the needle has been removed.

Uncommon risks of blood tests are:

If you notice bleeding after the needle is removed, you can use three fingers to apply pressure to the site for 2 minutes. This should minimize bleeding and bruising.

Aspergillus precipitin test results are usually available within 1 to 2 days.

A "normal" test result means that no Aspergillus antibodies were found in your blood.

However, this doesn't mean that Aspergillus is entirely absent from your body. If you have received a normal test result but your doctor still suspects your infection is caused by this fungus, a test culture on spit or a tissue biopsy may be needed.

An "abnormal" test result means that Aspergillus fungus antibodies were found in your blood. This could mean you’ve been exposed to the fungus, but you may not have a current infection.

Check with your doctor about your test results when you receive them.

You may improve on your own without treatment if you have a healthy immune system.

People with weakened immune systems may need to take antifungal medications for 3 months to several years. This will help rid your body of the fungus.

Any immunosuppressant drugs you are taking may need to be stepped down or discontinued during treatment to help your body fight the infection. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.