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Aspergillosis precipitin is a laboratory test to detect antibodies in the blood resulting from exposure to the fungus nullAspergillus.
Alternative NamesAspergillus immunodiffusion test; Test for precipitating antibodies
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined for precipitin bands that form when Aspergillus antibodies are present.
How to prepare for the testThere is no special preparation.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test if blood work revealed that you have signs of a fungal infection.
See:
- Aspergillosis
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
The normal test result is negative for Aspergillusantibodies.
What abnormal results meanA positive result means antibodies to the fungus have been detected. This usually means you have been exposed to the fungus at some point.
However, false-positive results are possible. For example, invasive aspergillosis often does not produce a positive result, even though Aspergillus is present.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Stevens DA. Aspergillosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 360.
What else can I help you with?
What is precipitin?
Precipitin-- An antibody in blood that combines with an antigen to form a solid that separates from the rest of the blood
What is a precipitin test used for?
A precipitin test is used to determine if someone has been exposed to a specific antigen by detecting the presence of antibodies in their blood. This test is commonly used to diagnose certain infections or to confirm exposure to allergens.
What is the serum used in a precipitin test called human antiserum?
an antiserum is antibodies taken out of the blood stream i love yooh
What are examples for the immunological test of precipitin reaction?
Examples of immunological tests based on precipitin reaction include the Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion technique used for identifying antigen-antibody reactions, as well as the Mancini radial immunodiffusion method which quantifies the amount of specific proteins in a sample based on the diameter of the precipitation ring formed.
What type of test is used by serologist to determine animal or human blood?
The Precipitin test distinguishes between human and animal blood.
What is the medical term for an antibody that under suitable conditions combines with and causes its specific and soluble antigen to precipitate from solution?
The Medical term is Precipitin.
What does immunoprecipitation measure?
the quantity of precipitate, which forms after the reagent antibody (precipitin) has incubated with the sample and reacted with its respective antigen to form an insoluble aggregate.
Can takayama test determine whether a bloodstain is human or not?
Yes, the Takayama test can determine if a bloodstain is human or animal in origin based on the presence of hemoglobin. The test uses chemicals that react with hemoglobin to produce a distinct color change, indicating the presence of human blood.
Why it is necessary to use clarified gels to demonstrate immunodiffusion?
Using clarified gels is necessary in immunodiffusion experiments because they provide a clear background that allows for easy visualization of the antigen-antibody reaction. The clear gel helps to distinguish between the precipitin lines formed during the reaction, making it easier to interpret the results accurately. The absence of impurities or bubbles in the gel also prevents interference with the diffusion of the antigens and antibodies, leading to more reliable and reproducible results.
If the unknown antigen contained bovine and swine serum albumin what would you expect to happen in the ouchterlony test?
Antigen-antibody complexes would form a white precipitate between the bovine serum albumin and the swine serum albumin.
What is Radial immunodiffusion test?
Radial immunodifusion tests for the presence/absence of viral antigens in a sample. Antigen diffuses into the agar which contains specific antibody and a ring of precipitate is formed when antigen-antibody interactions occur. The diameter of the ring is directly proportional to the concentration of the antigen and can thereby be used to quantitate the amount of antigen. A reverse radial immunodiffusion test, in which antigen is incorporated in the agar, can be used to quantitate the amount of antibody in a sample.Capable of detecting and quantifying antigens, the radial immunodiffusion is a technique in which antibody is incorporated into an agar gel, followed by the addition of antigen into formed wells of the antibody-containing agar. After incubation, diffusion proceeds and the antigen which has been allowed to diffuse into the agar reacts with specific antibody, produces a ring of precipitation that will form at the point where the antigen and antibody have reached equivalence. However, as diffusion proceeds radially from the well, an excess of antigen develops in the area of the precipitate causing it to dissolve only to form once again a greater distance from the site of origin. Precipitate will occur only at the zone of equivalence. The greater the concentration of the antigen in the well, the faster precipitation will take place. Diffusion of antigen will proceed from the well with a build-up of precipitate at the outer edge of the ring, where the antigen will be encountering additional antibody. The system is initially in a dynamic state, as the rings increase with time. A static state of precipitation is reached when all the antigen has diffused into the gel and precipitation is complete.The precipitation ring surrounds an area proportional to the concentration of antigen measured 48 to 72 hours following diffusion, with antibody concentration kept constant. The diameter of the precipitin ring can be used to quantify the antigen concentration through comparison with antigen standards. Standard curves can be employed using these known antigen standards. The antigen concentration is easily determined through measuring the diameter of the precipitation ring. This technique provides sensitivity in detecting an antigen to 1 to 3 micrograms/mL antigen. For greater sensitivity, ELISA assays should however be used. (2,3)Standard Calibration CurveIn a simple experiment, numerous known BSA concentrations and a single known sample, can be placed into individual wells within an anti-BSA agar plate. The diameters of the precipitin discs can then be measured and plotted on semi-logarithm graph paper. The standard calibration curve can then be plotted as the BSA concentration versus the diameter of the precipitin discs. The curve allows for the determination of the unknown sample concentration. The standards from each formed a gradient of precipitin ring in direct relation to their antigen concentration. Slight procedural differences, such as poor well filling and disc measurements, can lead to slight deviations of a few standard points
Bronchiectasis?
DefinitionBronchiectasis is destruction and widening of the large airways.If the condition is present at birth, it is called congenital bronchiectasis.If it develops later in life, it is called acquired bronchiectasis.Alternative NamesAcquired bronchiectasis; Congenital bronchiectasisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsBronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. It most often begins in childhood as a complication from infection or inhaling a foreign object.Cystic fibrosiscauses about half of all bronchiectasis in the United States. Recurrent, severe lung infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections), abnormal lung defenses, and obstruction of the airways by a foreign body or tumor are some of the risk factors.The condition can also be caused by routinely breathing in food particles while eating.SymptomsSymptoms often develop gradually, and may occur months or years after the event that causes the bronchiectasis.They may include:Bluish skin colorBreath odorChronic coughwith large amounts of foul-smelling sputumClubbing of fingersCoughing up bloodCough that gets worse when lying on one sideFatiguePalenessShortness of breath that gets worse with exerciseWeight lossWheezingSigns and testsWhen listening to the chest with a stethoscope, the doctor may hear small clicking, bubbling, wheezing, rattling, or other sounds, usually in the lower lobes of the lungs.Tests may include:Aspergillosis precipitin test (to check for signs of the aspergillosis fungus)Chest x-rayChest CTSputum cultureComplete blood count (CBC)PPD skin testto check for a prior tuberculosis infectionSerum immunoglobulin electrophoresisSweat test or other cystic fibrosis testingTreatmentTreatment is aimed at controlling infections and bronchial secretions, relieving airway obstruction, and preventing complications.Regular, daily drainage to remove bronchial secretions is a routine part of treatment. A respiratory therapist can show the patient coughing exercises that will help.Antibiotics, bronchodilators, and expectorants are often prescribed for infections.Surgery to resect the lung may be needed if medicine does not work or if the patient has massive bleeding.Expectations (prognosis)With treatment, most people can lead normal lives without major disability.ComplicationsCor pulmonaleCoughing up bloodLow oxygen levels (in severe cases)Recurrent pneumoniaCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:Chest pain or shortness of breath gets worseThere is a change in color or amount of the phlegm you cough up, or if it is bloodyOther symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatmentPreventionThe risk may be reduced if lung infections are promptly treated.Childhood vaccinations and a yearly flu vaccine help reduce the chance of some infections. Avoiding upper respiratory infections, smoking, and pollution may also reduce your risk of infection.ReferencesBarker AF. Bronchiectasis, atelectasis, cysts, and localized lung disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 90.
