Aspergillus antigen skin test

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Aspergillus antigen skin test

Aspergillus is a mold. An antigen is a substance that stimulates the immune system to eliminate or fight foreign substances in the body. This skin test detects hypersensitivity to aspergillus.

Immediate Aspergillus skin test

The test site (an area with hair, usually the forearm) is cleansed. The antigen is then injected into the area. If there is a positive reaction, the area should turn red and develop a lump (similar to a mosquito bite) within ten minutes of injection. The lump should be at least 3 millimeters in diameter to be considered positive.

There is no special preparation necessary.

There will be a brief sting as a needle is inserted just below the skin surface.

The test is to detect hypersensitivity to the mold aspergillus.

Review Date: 02/10/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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