Aspergillosis

Microbiology

Summary

Aspergillosis is the name for a group of conditions caused by Aspergillus mould.

Usage

Culture

Isolation of Aspergillus for identification and sensitivities (if required.)

Aspergillus Antibody (precipitins)

Detection of antibodies to Aspergillus spp. Appropriate for the diagnosis of aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients e.g. allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), aspergilloma, chronic necrotising aspergillosis, aspergillus sinusitis

Aspergillus antigen

This test detects the presence of the Aspergillus antigen galactomannan in serum or BAL fluid to diagnosis invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients.

Aspergillus PCR

Detects presence of Aspergillus DNA in whole blood or BAL fluid. Generally used serially to detect rising levels post-bone marrow transplant.

Specimen

Culture: Nose Swab, Tissue biopsy, Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL), Sputum, Blood Cultures

Serology: Blood

PCR: Blood, BAL

Specimen container

Nose swab – Transwab
Biopsy – Plain Universal Sterile Universal Pot
BAL – Plain Universal Sterile Universal Pot
Sputum – Sputum Pot
Blood culture – Blood Culture Bottles
Blood – Serology (Gold top tube, SST), PCR (Pink top tube, EDTA)

How To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

For respiratory sample culture search for: ‘Respiratory Sample MC&S‘ or test code ‘LAB900‘ and include relevant clinical details such as ABPA or state ‘Fungal culture required’

For blood cultures see: Blood Cultures

For serology search for: ‘Fungal Serology‘ or test code’LAB9315‘

For PCR search for: ‘Aspergillus PCR‘ or test code ‘LAB9264‘