An aspergillus antigen skin test detects antibodies against a common fungus, or mold, called Aspergillus. The aspergillosis infection spreads in the bloodstream. It may cause an infection in the ear, cornea of the eye, heart valves, sinuses, lungs or brain.

Who is a candidate for the test?

This test is normally performed to detect and diagnose a particular fungal infection. This test may be done on a person who has symptoms similar to symptoms of pneumonia or tuberculosis with a history of:

It may also be done on a person with clouded vision, eye pain, and reddened eyes.

How is the test performed?

The site tested is usually an area of skin on the forearm. After it is cleansed with antiseptic, a small amount of antigen is injected. An antigen is a substance foreign to the body. When the body detects an antigen, the immune system makes antibodies to try to fight it off.

After 72 hours, the person should visit his or her healthcare provider to have the test site evaluated.