This test detects the presence of the Aspergillus antigen galactomannan in serum or bronchoalveolar lavage using a commercial manual ELISA kit. Indicated for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients who are currently or have recently been neutropenic. This test may have value in other immunocompromised patients but is not usually indicated in patients who are likely to have reasonable immune responses where the Aspergillus antibody test is more appropriate.
Container / Tube
Serum sample – Sep Clot Activator tube (LTHT: Red top, yellow inner ring. CHFT / MYTT: Brown top). No additives.
BAL sample – white topped universal
Collection Conditions
BAL samples must have AAFB tested before processing. Min vol – BAL 700ul, 5ml Blood.
Availability
Routine 3 times per week.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
3 days.
Additional Information
Levels of galactomannan above the cutoff of an index of 0.5 are significant. Negative results are typically around 0.1 or less and results between 0.3 and 0.5 may increase the index of suspicion and indicate repeat testing. Any positives should be confirmed by repeat testing. A negative Aspergillus antigen result does not exclude a diagnosis of aspergillosis. False positive results have been associated with some batches of beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g. piperacillin-tazobactam) and with testing babies in the neonatal period.
ID
3683