Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HP Panel, Extrinsic allergic alveolitis panel, Farmer's lung panel, Bird fancier's lung panel |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected HP, particularly those with occupational or environmental exposure to organic dusts, moulds, or birds |
| Price | Starting at ₹8,500 |
What is a Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test?
The Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test is a blood test that detects specific IgG antibodies (immune proteins) produced in response to environmental substances such as mould spores, bird proteins, and organic dusts. When these substances are repeatedly inhaled, the immune system may react and cause inflammation in the lungs, a condition known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) or extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Doctors order this test to identify which specific triggers may be responsible for a patient's lung symptoms. It is also referred to as the HP Panel or the Farmer's Lung Panel in occupational health settings.
What Does a Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test Measure?
The test measures IgG antibody levels against a range of environmental antigens. Elevated antibodies to a particular antigen suggest past exposure sufficient to trigger an immune response.
The following antigens are typically included in the panel:
| Antigen | What it Represents |
|---|---|
| Penicillium chrysogenum IgG | A widespread indoor mould found in damp environments |
| Cladosporium herbarum IgG | A common airborne fungus associated with respiratory allergies |
| Mucor racemosus IgG | A soil-borne mould linked to occupational HP |
| Alternaria alternata IgG | A fungal species known to worsen respiratory conditions |
| Aspergillus fumigatus IgG | A fungus associated with allergic and hypersensitive lung disease |
| Pigeon serum proteins, feathers, and droppings IgG | Antigens found in individuals exposed to birds (bird fancier's lung) |
| Thermoactinomyces vulgaris/candidus IgG | Bacteria from mouldy hay, associated with farmer's lung |
| Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula IgG | A bacterium found in mouldy hay, linked to farmer's lung |
Why is a Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects that a patient's lung symptoms are caused by repeated exposure to an environmental allergen. It is particularly relevant for people who work in farming, poultry, or environments with poor ventilation and damp conditions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request an HP Panel test:
- Persistent or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity
- Fever and chills appearing hours after allergen exposure
- Muscle aches and headaches without an obvious cause
- Unexplained fatigue and general malaise
- Unintended weight loss
- Tightness in the chest
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use the Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel to investigate the following conditions:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an immune-mediated lung condition triggered by repeated allergen inhalation
- Diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD), where HP is a suspected cause
- Bird fancier's lung or pigeon breeder's disease
- Farmer's lung resulting from exposure to mouldy hay
- Humidifier lung, an HP variant linked to contaminated heating or ventilation systems
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test. However, a few steps will help ensure a smooth experience and accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for the HP Panel test. You may eat and drink normally before sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before you come in for the test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and information about your occupational and environmental exposures, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, particularly immunosuppressants, as these can lower antibody levels.
- Mention any recent infections, as these may affect your antibody levels.
- Drink adequate water before your appointment to make the blood draw easier.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to your arm.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A tourniquet (a soft band) is tied around your upper arm to help make the veins more visible.
- The puncture site on your inner arm is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A trained phlebotomist draws approximately 3 ml of blood using a sterile needle into a yellow gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
- The serum is separated from the blood and tested using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method to detect specific IgG antibodies.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis, and your report is prepared within the turnaround period.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Recent or heavy allergen exposure, which can temporarily raise IgG antibody levels
- Immunosuppressive medications, which can lower detectable antibody levels
- Ongoing chronic respiratory infections, which may elevate certain IgG levels
- Autoimmune conditions, which can cause antibody fluctuations
- Smoking, as most HP patients are non-smokers and smoking status may influence results
Understanding Your Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test Results
Results from the HP Panel must always be reviewed by a qualified doctor alongside your clinical history, imaging findings, and other investigations. Antibody levels alone cannot confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
| Parameter | Normal (Negative) | Elevated (Positive) |
|---|---|---|
| Each antigen-specific IgG | Below 10 mg/L (considered insignificant) | At or above the laboratory reference threshold |
| Aspergillus fumigatus IgG | Typically below 20 to 40 mgA/L (varies by lab) | Above laboratory reference value |
| Pigeon serum IgG | Below approximately 24.6 mgA/L (optimal cutoff) | Above laboratory reference value |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
A positive result means your immune system has been exposed to a particular antigen and has produced antibodies in response. It does not automatically confirm active HP. A negative result does not entirely rule out HP either, as the specific antigen causing your symptoms may not be included in the panel.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how your results are interpreted:
- Immunosuppressive therapy can reduce the levels of IgG antibodies in the blood, potentially leading to lower-than-expected results even when exposure has occurred.
- Chronic respiratory infections may raise specific IgG levels, which could complicate interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips may help reduce exposure-related risks:
- Minimise contact with known triggers such as mould, bird droppings, and mouldy hay.
- Ensure proper ventilation in damp or enclosed spaces to reduce mould buildup.
- Use appropriate respiratory protective equipment if you work in a high-risk environment, such as farming or poultry handling.
Lupin Diagnostics Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test Price and Home Collection
The Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test is priced at ₹8,500 at Lupin Diagnostics, and home sample collection is available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 8500 |
| CHENNAI | 8500 |
| HYDERABAD | 8500 |
| KOLKATA | 8500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 8500 |
| PUNE | 8500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your HP test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
HP test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist will visit your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is accessible via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test identifies specific IgG antibodies in the blood linked to common environmental triggers of HP. It helps doctors determine which substances, such as mould species or bird proteins, may be causing lung inflammation in a patient. The test is one part of the overall diagnostic process for HP.
This test is recommended for adults who have symptoms such as a persistent cough, breathlessness, or fatigue, particularly those with known exposure to birds, farming environments, or damp and mouldy workplaces. Your doctor will advise you on whether this test is appropriate based on your symptoms and exposure history.
Not necessarily. A positive result shows that your immune system has been exposed to a specific antigen and has produced antibodies. It does not confirm active disease. A definitive HP diagnosis requires a combination of clinical findings, imaging, and in some cases, additional investigations.
Yes. Because HP is closely linked to specific environmental and occupational exposures, a detailed clinical history is required to process and interpret your results accurately. Bring information about your symptoms, previous test reports, and any known exposure to moulds, birds, or dust.
Reports are typically ready within 3 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. You will receive your results digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Yes, the HP test home collection is available through Lupin Diagnostics. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the blood sample, which is then sent to an NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Share your results with the doctor who ordered the test. They will review the findings alongside your symptoms, exposure history, and any imaging or other tests to decide the next steps. Do not attempt to interpret or act on the results independently.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP) Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
