Aspergillus IgA Antibody Test

Aspergillus is a common type of fungus that grows on decaying vegetation, such as compost heaps and fallen leaves. It can also be found in air-conditioning systems and hospitals. Immunoglobulin A (IgA, also referred to as sIgA) is an antibody that plays a crucial role in the immune function of mucous membranes. The amount of IgA produced in association with mucosal membranes is greater than all other types of antibody combined. 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 antigen is a substance that your body recognizes as a threat. No utility has been found for the detection of IgA antibodies to fungi.

This test doesn’t require any kind of special preparation. The doctor will instruct the patient if there is a need to fast before the blood test, He should also enquire about the over the counter medication that the patient is having. It necessary to prepare the patient to undergo the test and also to keep ready the necessary components to carry out the test for adults and in case of Infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

The result of the Aspergillus test can be analysed in the following way: Aspergillus precipitin test results are usually available within one to two days. A normal test result means that no Aspergillus antibodies were found in the patient’s blood.However, this doesn’t mean that Aspergillus is entirely absent in the patient’s body. If the patient has received a normal test result but the doctor still suspects that the infection is caused by this fungus, a test culture on sputum or a tissue biopsy may be needed. An abnormal test result means that Aspergillus fungus antibodies were found in the patient’s blood.

A nurse or other doctor 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 needle 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.