Blastomyces dermatitidis Antibodies by EIA, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC09080Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 165048CPT Code 86612

Blastomyces dermatitidis Antibodies by EIA, Serum

Also known as: Blastomyces Total antibodies

Clinical Use

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Use

Aid in the diagnosis of Blastomyces dermatitidis infection. Diagnosis of Blastomycosis relies on a combination of assays, including culture and molecular testing on appropriate specimens and serologic evaluation for both antibodies to and antigen released from Blastomyces. Although culture remains the gold standard method and is highly specific, the organism can take several days to weeks to grow, and sensitivity is diminished in cases of acute or localized disease. Similarily, molecular testing offers high specificity and a rapid turnaround time, however, sensitivity is imperfect. Detection of an antibody response to Blastomyces offers high specificity, however, results may be falsely negative in acutely infected patients and in immunosuppressed patients.

Special Instructions

Testing schedules may vary. A positive result indicates the presence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies to Blastomyces, suggesting past or current infection or exposure. A negative result suggests the absence of infection. However, a negative result does not preclude a diagnosis if only a single specimen is tested, and symptoms might warrant further testing in 7 to 14 days if infection is suspected.

Limitations

A negative result does not rule out a diagnosis of blastomycosis, especially if only one specimen has been tested and the patient presents with symptoms suggesting infection. There may be cross-reactivity with other fungal infections like Aspergillus, Coccidioides, or Histoplasma, which can affect test accuracy.

Test Details