Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories

Precipitin with Special Antigen Preparation

Test Code

SPECP

Since the laboratory does not have all the antigens that a patient could potentially be exposed to, environmental antigens can be prepared by the laboratory for use in the test, from materials collected and supplied by the patient. It is recommended to collect approximately a half-teaspoon-sized amount of solid material (or about 3 grams), e.g. bird droppings, or approximately 6 - 12 bird feathers. Ship the material in a small plastic bag that can be sealed tightly to maintain sample integrity and to prevent cross contamination.

Please call Client Services for further information 800.550.6227

Description

Please note this specific antigen test is used for antigens not currently available to our laboratory from a commercial source.

Precipitating antibodies against dust, fungal, animal and other protein antigens are detected by a double immunodiffusion Ouchterlony technique. This technique is often used to identify precipitating antibodies to environmental antigens in a patient's serum, which may give rise to hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). HP, an inflammation of the alveoli of the lung, initially presents with symptoms similar to influenza. If caught early and if exposure to the antigen is ceased, the condition can be reversed. Long term exposure, however, causes scarring of the lungs and difficulty breathing.

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