Aspergillus niger Precipitating Antibodies, IgG

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CPT Code:

86606

Test Type: 1 mL Serum
Stability Time:
Temperature Period
Freeze 3 months
Room 14 days  
Refrigerator 14 days  
Freeze/thaw cycles Stable x3  

Overview:

Confirm the presence of precipitating antibodies to Aspergillus niger Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), also referred to as extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), is an inflammatory lung disease resulting from the inhalation and subsequent sensitization to a wide variety of inhaled organic dusts. [1-5] HP is not mediated by IgE. HP is associated with progressive pulmonary disability, irreversible lung damage and mortality in some occupational settings.[1-5] Patients often present with intermittent chills, fever, cough, and shortness of breath that begin 4 to 8 hours after exposure to the offending dust. Aspergillus mold can be found in soil, foods, fresh water and other natural sources including compost, barley, tobaccoand Esparto grass dust (stucco).[1,3,5] These organisms grow well in decaying organic material at temperatures oftenattained during decomposition.[5] Aspergillus mold can also grow on ceilings and walls where water damage has occurred.[7] No single laboratory test is diagnostic for HP.[1-5] Diagnosis is based on a complete environmental history supported by result of chest x-ray, spirometry and in vitro immunologic tests.[1-5] Identification of the causative agent is important to allow avoidance of exposure.[2,5] Double diffusion (Ouchterlony) assays are typically used to determine antigen specific IgG antibodies.[5] The appearance of precipitin arcs confirms the presence of precipitating antibodies to specific antigens. These antibodies may also be present in individuals not afflicted with HP.[2,3,5] The presence of antibodies to the offending dust or antigen confirms exposure but is not diagnostic of HP. However, upon repeated or prolonged exposures, high levels of precipitating IgG antibodies are typically observed. Aspergillus infection can also result in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a condition where airway colonization of individuals with asthma or cystic fibrosis results in increased inflammation and destruction of bronchial structural elements.[6,7] Testing for aspergillus precipitating IgG antibodies has been shown to be of some clinical utility in the assessment of patients with potential ABPA.[6]

A positive test does not establish the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, nor does the absence of precipitins eliminate the diagnosis.

Collection Details:

Collection Instructions:

One 8.5 mL red-top tube or one 8.5 mL gel-barrier tube.  

Room temperature.