Aspergillus Antigen, Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Clinical Use

Use

The Aspergillus Antigen test using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens is useful for aiding in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA), a severe infection in patients with prolonged neutropenia after transplantation or undergoing aggressive immunosuppressive therapies. These patients are at high risk due to the rapid progression of IA and its high mortality rate. The test detects galactomannan, a molecule found in the cell wall of Aspergillus species, thereby enabling earlier diagnosis and potential initiation of antifungal therapy before the infection becomes life-threatening.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

There is a noteworthy rate of false-positive results (8%-14%) in serum due to cross-reactivity with other substances or species. Other fungal species like Penicillium and Paecilomyces may also cause reactivity, potentially affecting the specificity for Aspergillus. False positives have been associated with PLASMA-LYTE solutions or fungal digestive enzymes. The performance of the test has not been assessed for specimen types such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid, and its sensitivity may be reduced by concurrent antifungal therapy or in patients with chronic granulomatous disease or hyper-IgE syndrome. Precautions in specimen handling are essential for avoiding contamination.

Test Details

FDA Approved