Aspergillus antigen skin test

Definition:

Aspergillus is a mold. An antigen is a substance that stimulates the immune system to eliminate or fight foreign substances in the body. This skin test detects hypersensitivity to Aspergillus mold.

Alternative Names:

Immediate Aspergillus skin test

How the test is performed:

The test site (an area with hair, usually the forearm) is cleansed. The antigen is then injected into the area. If positive, the area should turn red and develop a lump, similar to a mosquito bite, within ten minutes of injection. The lump should be at least 3 millimeters in diameter to be read as positive.

How to prepare for the test:

Adults:
No special preparation is necessary.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

There will be a brief sting as a needle is inserted just below the skin surface.

Why the test is performed:

The test is to detect hypersensitivity to the mold aspergillus.

Normal Values:

A negative reaction or no inflammation at the test site is normal.

What abnormal results mean:

If a positive reaction occurs (the test site is inflamed), you are hypersensitive to the Aspergillus mold. You may have the disease known as pulmonary aspergillosis; allergic bronchopulmonary type.

What the risks are:

There is a slight risk of anaphylactic shock (a severe reaction).

Special considerations:

Not applicable.

Review Date: 1/13/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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