Complete Blood Count (CBC): What You Need to Know About This Common Blood Test
This blood test checks for antibodies against Aspergillus flavus, a type of fungus that can cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
{"Detects immune response to Aspergillus flavus fungus infection","Helps diagnose aspergillosis, a fungal lung infection","Important for immunocompromised patients like transplant or cancer patients","Results indicate past or current exposure to the fungus","Sample is collected from a blood draw"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44026-3
- Short code
- A flavus H Ab Ser Ql ID
- Synonyms
- A flavus H Ab Ser Ql ID
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-diffusion
- 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 a complete blood count (CBC) test and what does it measure?
The Aspergillus flavus H Antibody test is a blood test that looks for antibodies (immune proteins) your body makes when it fights Aspergillus flavus, a common mold found in soil, decaying plants, and grains. The test uses a method called immune diffusion (ID), which detects whether these specific antibodies are present in your blood serum.
Why might my doctor order a complete blood count (CBC) test for me?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a fungal infection, such as fever, cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, especially if you have a weakened immune system. This test helps determine if your symptoms are caused by an Aspergillus infection (called aspergillosis). It is commonly used for patients who have received organ transplants, have leukemia or other cancers, or are on long-term corticosteroids.
How is a complete blood count (CBC) test performed during a lab visit?
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed for the presence of antibodies against Aspergillus flavus using immune diffusion techniques. You do not need to fast before this test.
What do the results of a complete blood count (CBC) test mean for my health?
A positive result means antibodies to Aspergillus flavus were detected in your blood, indicating you have been exposed to this fungus. This could mean you have a current infection or had a past exposure. A negative result means no antibodies were detected, but it does not completely rule out infection, especially in very early stages or in severely immunocompromised patients who may not produce antibodies. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your symptoms, imaging studies, and other test results.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with having a CBC test done?
The risks are minimal and include slight pain, bruising, or infection at the needle site. These are rare and usually temporary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Aspergillus flavus antibody test is primarily used to support the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, a serious fungal infection that commonly affects the lungs and can spread to other organs. It is particularly valuable in immunocompromised patients who are at highest risk for severe infection. A positive result can help guide antifungal treatment decisions, while serial testing may help monitor treatment response. However, this test has limitations—it may not detect early infections, and some patients may not mount an antibody response. Therefore, it is often used alongside other diagnostic methods such as chest CT scans, fungal cultures, and other biomarker tests.
Frequently asked questions
Who is at risk for Aspergillus flavus infection?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What happens if my test is positive?
Can this test detect all types of Aspergillus infections?
Sources
- 1
- 2CDC - AspergillosisSource
- 3
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