Assay

Immunoglobulin G (specific)

Key Words

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

Pigeon specific IgG (Avian precipitins) , GE91

IgG to Aspergillus , GASP

Specific IgG Micropolyspora faeni , GM22

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