Eurofins Biomnis code

ASPLB

Synonyms

• Galactomannan
• Soluble antigen - Aspergillus fumigatus

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Aspergillus is a genus of mycelial fungi, some members of which can either establish an opportunistic infection or induce an allergic reaction in humans. They can penetrate the bronchopulmonary network, the auditory canal or colonize the skin and nails. They cause granulomatous lesions and invasion is favored by, on the one hand the presence of preexisting lesions (e.g. tuberculous cavitations or burns) but, to a far greater extent, by impaired immune responsiveness. In profoundly immunosuppressed patients, such infections can rapidly become massively invasive and catastrophic. Strains can be identified by preparing specimens regularly for culture on selective media but the exact role played by the identified species in the disease process can never be defined unless it is identified in the actual lesion or the relevant biological fluid. Assaying for circulating antigen can be useful for rapid diagnosis in profoundly immunosuppressed patients. Serological analysis can be worthwhile in immune competent subjects suspected of having a systemic Aspergillus infection although seroconversion is usually relatively late.

Preanalytics

• BAL
•   FROZEN
• Freezing within 4 hours

• A tube specifically for this analysis : Yes

Further information

1 individual aliquot for this analysis.
Transport and storage of samples in sealed tubes away from air to avoid contamination responsible for false positive results
To be avoided: too viscous sampling

Methodology

Turnaround time

7 days

Caption