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Test ID: ASPBA    
Aspergillus Antigen, Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The Platelia Aspergillus enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is a 1-stage immunoenzymatic sandwich microplate assay that detects galactomannan in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens. The assay uses the rat monoclonal antibody EBA-2, which is directed against Aspergillus galactomannan. The monoclonal antibody is used 1) to coat the wells of the microplate and bind the antigen and 2) as the detector antibody in the conjugate reagent (peroxidase-linked monoclonal antibody).

 

Samples are heat-treated in the presence of EDTA in order to dissociate immune complexes and to precipitate proteins that could possibly interfere with the test. The treated samples and conjugate are added to the wells coated with the monoclonal antibody and incubated. A monoclonal antibody-galactomannan-monoclonal antibody/peroxidase complex is formed in the presence of Aspergillus antigen.

 

The strips are washed to remove any unbound material, and the substrate solution is added, which will react with the complex bound to the well to form a blue color reaction. The enzyme reaction is stopped by the addition of acid, which changes the blue color to yellow. The optical absorbance of specimens and controls is determined with a spectrophotometer set at 450 nm and 620/630 nm wavelengths.

 

Negative, cutoff (low-positive), and high-positive controls are analyzed each time the assay is performed. The presence or absence of Aspergillus (galactomannan) antigen in the test sample is determined by calculation of an index for the specimen. The index is the optical density (OD) value of the specimen divided by the mean OD of wells containing the cutoff control serum (low-positive control).(Package insert: Platelia Aspergillus EIA, Bio-Rad, Redmond, WA, 5/2008).

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m.

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

1 day

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester