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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 86691:
Blastomyces Antibody by EIA, Serum

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

The dimorphic fungus, Blastomyces dermatitidis, causes blastomycosis. When the organism is inhaled, it causes pulmonary disease-cough, pain, and hemoptysis, along with fever and night sweats. It commonly spreads to the skin, bone, or internal genitalia where suppuration and granulomas are typical. Occasionally, primary cutaneous lesions after trauma are encountered; however, this type of infection is uncommon.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Detection of antibodies in patients having blastomycosis

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A positive result indicates that IgG and/or IgM antibodies to Blastomyces were detected. The presence of antibodies is presumptive evidence that the patient was or is currently infected with (or exposed to) Blastomyces.

 

A negative result indicates that antibodies to Blastomyces were not detected. The absence of antibodies is presumptive evidence that the patient was not infected with Blastomyces. However, the specimen may have been obtained before antibodies were detectable or the patient may be immunosuppressed. If infection is suspected, another specimen should be drawn 7 to 14 days later and submitted for testing.

 

All specimens testing equivocal will be repeated. Specimens testing equivocal after repeat testing should be submitted for further testing by another conventional serologic test (eg, SBL/8237 Blastomyces Antibody by Immunodiffusion, Serum).

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

A negative result does not rule out blastomycosis.

 

Cross-reactivity may occur with other fungal infections such as Aspergillus, Coccidioides, or Histoplasma.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Kaufman L, Kovacs JA, Reiss E: Clinical immunomycology. In Manual of Clinical and Laboratory Immunology. Edited by NL Rose, E Conway-de Macario, JD Folds, et al. Washington, DC, ASM Press, 1997, pp 588-589