Blood Test: What It Is, How It's Performed, and What Your Results Mean
A blood test that measures antibodies against Aspergillus flavus, a type of fungus that can cause respiratory infections.
{"Detects immune response to Aspergillus flavus fungus","Helps diagnose aspergillosis, a fungal infection","Mainly used for patients with weakened immune systems","Results indicate past or current infection","Often ordered when symptoms of fungal lung infection are present"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31230-6
- Short code
- A flavus Ab Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- A flavus Ab Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and why might my healthcare provider order it?
The Aspergillus flavus antibody test is a blood test that detects antibodies (immune proteins) your body produces in response to Aspergillus flavus, a common mold found in soil, decaying vegetation, and grains. This test helps determine if you have been exposed to this fungus and whether your immune system has mounted a response against it.
How is this test performed, and do I need any special preparation?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for the presence of specific antibodies (IgG and IgM) against Aspergillus flavus. No special preparation is typically required before the test.
What do my results mean, and when will I hear back from my doctor?
Positive results indicate that antibodies to Aspergillus flavus have been detected, suggesting either a current or past infection. However, many people may have antibodies without active disease, as exposure to this common mold is frequent. Your doctor will interpret the results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Aspergillosis is a serious infection caused by Aspergillus molds, commonly affecting patients with weakened immune systems, those with lung diseases (like asthma or COPD), or people who have undergone organ transplantation. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. This antibody test helps in diagnosing invasive aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), and other Aspergillus-related conditions. It is often used in conjunction with imaging studies (like chest X-rays or CT scans) and other laboratory tests for a comprehensive evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is this test dangerous?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my test is positive?
Who should get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3CDC - AspergillosisSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy