Aspergillosis IgM Antibodies Test
Aspergillosis IgM Antibodies Test
Aspergillosis IgM antibody test is used to detect specific IgM antibodies in the blood, indicating a recent or active infection with the fungus Aspergillus. This test is valuable for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis, a serious fungal infection, caused by a type of mold (fungus). It affects the lungs, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems such as HIV/ AIDS.
To determine if an individual is infected with aspergillus fungus, it is advisable to undergo an aspergillosis IgM antibodies test.
Symptoms of Aspergillosis
Fever
Unexplained weight loss
Headaches
Skin lesions
Fatigue
Chills and sweats
Change in cough or a new cough
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Nasal congestion
Chest pain
Who Should Get Tested?
You should get and Aspergillosis IgM antibody test done
If you experience symptoms of aspergillosis infection
If you have chronic respiratory illness such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Preparation For Test
No special preparation is required for the Aspergillosis IgM antibody test.
Interpretation Of Results
The test result may come as normal or abnormal.
Normal result
A normal Aspergillosis IgM antibody test result means no Aspergillus antibodies were found in the sample. It means that your symptoms are not due to the aspergillus infection. Sometimes, further testing may be required if your healthcare provider still suspects your infection is caused by Aspergillus fungus.
Abnormal results
An abnormal Aspergillosis IgM antibody test means that Aspergillus antibodies were found in the given sample. It means that your symptoms are due to the aspergillus infection.
FAQs
How is the sample collected for an Aspergillosis IgM antibody test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this procedure does not take more than 5 minutes.
What are the risks associated with an Aspergillosis IgM antibody test?
This test is relatively safe. There might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood was drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the result of the Aspergillosis IgM antibody test?
In most cases, test results are available within the same day. You may receive your test results via email or normal message, or you can receive a call from the doctor's office to go over the results of the aspergillosis IgM antibody test or to schedule a follow-up appointment.
What are the limitations of the Aspergillosis IgM antibody test?
The Aspergillus IgM antibody test may yield false positives or negatives. Additionally, it indicates recent exposure but may not distinguish between current and past infections. Clinical correlation is essential and other tests may be needed for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Can the Aspergillosis IgM test differentiate between different Aspergillus species?
The Aspergillus IgM test generally does not differentiate between Aspergillus species. For species identification, additional tests, such as cultures or molecular methods, may be required.
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