Alternative names
Histoplasma antibody test

Definition
Histoplasma complement fixation tests the serum (the clear liquid portion of the blood) for antibodies to the fungus Histoplasma.

How the test is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood and bulge.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the tourniquet is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Infant or young child:
The area is cleaned with antiseptic and stuck with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, on a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

Serology refers to the study of serum for its antibody content. An antibody defends the body against bacteria, viruses, fungus, or other foreign bodies (antigens). Certain microbial cells stimulate the body to produce these antibodies during an active infection. Antibody production increases during the course of infection.

In the early stage of an illness, little or no antibody may be detected. For this reason, serology tests are often repeated 2 to 4 weeks after the initial sample.

In the laboratory, the antibodies react with antigens in specific ways that can confirm the identity of a specific microorganism. There are several serology techniques that can be used depending on the suspected antibodies. Serology techniques include agglutination, precipitation, complement-fixation, fluorescent antibodies, and others.

How to prepare for the test
There is no special preparation for the test.

Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child’s age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:

 
• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)  
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)  
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)  
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)  
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed
The test is performed to detect a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma.

Normal Values

The presence of no antibodies is normal. People who have prior exposure to Histoplasma may have antibodies, often at low levels. Not everyone who has antibodies will have experienced a prior illness.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may indicate histoplasmosis.
See also:

 
• Histoplasmosis; chronic pulmonary  
• Histoplasmosis; disseminated  
• Histoplasmosis; acute (primary) pulmonary  
• Histoplasmosis - skin lesion

What the risks are

 
• Excessive bleeding  
• Fainting or feeling light-headed  
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)  
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)  
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.