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Histoplasma skin test
Histoplasma skin test is a method to check if you have been exposed to a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. The fungus causes an infection called histoplasmosis.
How the Test is Performed
The health care provider cleans an area of your skin, usually the forearm. An allergen is injected just below the cleaned skin surface. The injection site is checked at 24 hours and at 48 hours for signs of a reaction. Occasionally, the reaction may not appear until the fourth day.
Allergen
An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. In some people, the immune system recognizes allergens as foreign or dangerous. As ...
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the Test will Feel
You may feel a brief sting as the needle is inserted just below the skin.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is used to determine if you have been exposed to the fungus that causes histoplasmosis .
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.
Normal Results
No reaction (inflammation) at the site of the test is normal. The skin test can rarely make histoplasmosis antibody tests turn positive.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
A reaction means you have been exposed to Histoplasma capsulatum . It does not always mean you have an active infection.
Risks
There is a slight risk of anaphylactic shock (a severe reaction).
Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.
Considerations
This test is rarely used today. It has been replaced by a variety of blood and urine tests.
References
Deepe GS Jr. Histoplasma capsulatum (histoplasmosis). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 265.
Iwen PC. Mycotic diseases. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 61.
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Aspergillus antigen skin test - illustration
The aspergillus antigen skin test determines whether or not a person has been exposed to the mold aspergillus. It is performed by injecting an aspergillus antigen under the skin with a needle. After 48 to 72 hours the site of injection is evaluated by a physician. If a positive reaction occurs (the test site is inflamed), the person has been exposed to the aspergillus mold and is at risk for developing aspergillosis.
Aspergillus antigen skin test
illustration
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Aspergillus antigen skin test - illustration
The aspergillus antigen skin test determines whether or not a person has been exposed to the mold aspergillus. It is performed by injecting an aspergillus antigen under the skin with a needle. After 48 to 72 hours the site of injection is evaluated by a physician. If a positive reaction occurs (the test site is inflamed), the person has been exposed to the aspergillus mold and is at risk for developing aspergillosis.
Aspergillus antigen skin test
illustration
Review Date: 9/10/2015
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
