Farmers lung antibodies

Farmers lung antibodies

For the following tests, please send serum (300 µl minimum) or 3mL clotted blood in a plain tube; EDTA blood is not suitable.

Please note this test is provided by the Immunology Department. Clinical advice is available from the Mycology Clinical Scientists

Use(s):

Detection of antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni also known as Saccharopolyspora rectivirgul and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris to diagnose Farmers' Lung

Description:

Determination of the presence of IgG antibodies to M. faeni and T. vulgaris in serum using a commercial automated Fluorescent Immuno Enzyme Assay (ImmunoCAP).

Results:

Concentration of IgG antibodies to M. faeni and T. vulgaris in mg/L. Positive results with IgG to either M. faeni or T. vulgaris antigens >39.9mg/L is likely to indicate that thermophilic actinomycets are the cause of the patients HP. Levels of IgG to M faeni between 36-39.9mg/L or to T. vulgaris between 22 and 39.9mg/L indicate HP may relate to actinomycete antigen exposure and further testing and/or antigen avoidance may be advised and results will be liaised.

Note

The uncertainty of measurement of this assay has been characterised in the following way, a positive control sample at a similar level the same as the cutoff for a positive result (M. faeni 22mg/L, T. vulgaris 36mg/L), tested over 2 months yielded a mean of 35.6 mg/L (M. faeni) 36.3 (T. vulgaris) and we estimate that 95% of all samples at this level will have a range from + or - 4.5 mg/L (M. faeni) and 6.6 (T. vulgaris).

Out of scope of ISO 15189:2012 accreditation