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Test Code ASPBA Aspergillus Antigen, Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Reporting Name

Aspergillus Ag, BAL

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis using bronchoalveolar lavage specimens

 

Assessing response to therapy

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Lavage


Ordering Guidance


For serum specimens, order ASPAG / Aspergillus (Galactomannan) Antigen, Serum.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile, leak-proof container

Note: Specimen trap collection containers (with suction catheters attached) will be rejected due to high-risk of leakage and contamination upon opening. Avoid use of these for bronchoalveolar lavage specimens.

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Additional Information: If specimen transfer into an acceptable sterile container is necessary, perform specimen transfer in a biosafety cabinet. Place container in separate sealed plastic bag.


Specimen Minimum Volume

1.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Lavage Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Reference Values

<0.5 Index

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday, Sunday

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87305

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ASPBA Aspergillus Ag, BAL 62467-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
61009 Aspergillus Ag, BAL 62467-6

Interpretation

A positive result in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid supports a diagnosis of invasive, pulmonary aspergillosis. Positive results should be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures, such as microbiologic culture, histological examination of biopsy specimens, and radiographic evidence (see Cautions).

 

A negative result in BAL fluid does not rule out the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Patients at risk of IA should be monitored twice a week for Aspergillus antigen levels in serum until determined to be clinically unnecessary.

 

Aspergillus antigen levels typically decline in response to effective antimicrobial therapy.

Clinical Reference

1. Park SY, Lee SO, Choi SH, et al: Aspergillus galactomannan antigen assay in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. J Infect. 2010 Dec;61(6):492-498

2. Husain S, Clancy CJ, Nguyen MH, et al: Performance characteristics of the platelia aspergillus enzyme immunoassay for detection of Aspergillus galactomannan antigen in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2008 Dec;15(12):1760-1763

3. Meersseman W, Lagrou K, Maertens J, et al: Galactomannan in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: a tool for diagnosing aspergillosis in intensive care unit patients. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2008 Jan 1;177(1):27-34

4. Becker MJ, Lugtenburg EJ, Cornelissen JJ, Van Der Schee C, Hoogsteden HC, De Marie S: Galactomannan detection in computerized tomography-based bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum in haematological patients at risk for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Br J Haematol. 2003 May;121(3):448-457

5. Xavier MO, Pasqualotto AC, Cardoso ICE, Severo LC: Cross-reactivity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Cryptococcus species in the commercial Platelia Aspergillus enzyme immunoassay. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2009 Jan;16(1):132-133

6. Thompson GR, Patterson TF: Aspergillus species. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020:3103-3116

Report Available

1 to 2 days

Method Name

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.