Assay

Immunoglobulin G (specific)

Key Words

Specific immunoglobulin G SIgG (Bird fanciers lung, Farmers lung and Aspergillus precipitins)

Specimen Collection

Serum (brown)

Turnaround time

10 days

Test indications

Aspergillus precipitins can be found in cases of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA). This is a complex inflammatory response to inhaled spores and is seen in about 1% of asthma sufferers and up to 15% of patients with cystic fibrosis. Patients have a characteristic X ray appearance and elevated total IgE, and both specific IgG and specific IgE to Aspergillus fumigatus. Levels of specific IgG have been defined which make the diagnosis likely. This is >90 mg/L in patients with cystic fibrosis and >35 mg/L in other patients.

Specific IgG assays are also available for the investigation of Bird fanciers lung and Farmers lung.

Methodology

Enzyme immunoassay

Interferences

No known methodological interferences

Reference Range

Aspergillus: Negative <35 mg/L

                  (<90mg/L in patients with cystic fibrosis)

Pigeon Mix: Negative 0-38 mg/L

Farmers Lung

Micropolyspora faeni: Negative 0 – 22 mg/L

Analytical error

Contact laboratory (x8454)

Reference change value

N/A