ABPA Panel Test

What Does the ABPA Panel Test Measure?

The ABPA panel test evaluates your immune system’s allergic and immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus both immediate (IgE) and delayed (IgG) antibody reactions by measuring specific antibodies in your blood:

• Total IgE levels: Measures overall IgE antibodies, which are markedly elevated in ABPA—usually >500 IU/mL and often >1000 IU/mL
• Aspergillus-specific IgE antibodies: Detects IgE sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus, a key diagnostic criterion for ABPA when combined with high total IgE and suggestive clinical findings
• Aspergillus-specific IgG antibodies: Indicates immune sensitization or chronic exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus, supportive but not diagnostic for ABPA

ABPA Panel Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an ABPA Panel Test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have pre-existing asthma or cystic fibrosis and experience worsening or new symptoms:

• Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath that are not well controlled by standard asthma medications
• Coughing up brownish specks or mucus plugs
• Low-grade fever
• General feeling of weakness or being unwell
• Chest pain or sinus inflammation

Who Should Get an ABPA Panel Test?

The following groups may benefit from this test:

• Patients with Asthma: Especially those with severe, difficult-to-control asthma or frequent unexplained flare-ups.
• Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: This group has a particularly high risk for developing ABPA.
• Individuals with Worsening Respiratory Symptoms: Anyone with respiratory symptoms that don't respond to conventional treatments.
• People with frequent asthma flare-ups: When standard treatments aren't providing relief.

Why Is an ABPA Panel Test Done?

The ABPA panel test is done to accurately diagnose ABPA and distinguish it from simple mould allergies or poorly controlled asthma. This distinction is crucial because ABPA requires targeted treatment to prevent permanent lung damage.

Importance of an ABPA Panel Test

The ABPA panel test is clinically important because it provides key evidence for diagnosing a serious lung condition that can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. Early diagnosis through this test allows timely treatment, which can prevent or slow down irreversible lung scarring and permanent breathing difficulties.

The test results guide treatment planning—typically oral corticosteroids to control inflammation, with or without antifungal therapy to reduce fungal load.

ABPA Panel Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an ABPA Panel Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'ABPA Panel Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample-Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the ABPA Panel Test Available Near You?

Yes, home sample collection is available for the ABPA panel test across India through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, following strict safety protocols during sample collection. As India’s trusted diagnostics brand, Metropolis Healthcare ensures accurate, timely, and convenient services to support your recovery and safeguard your family’s health.

How Long Does It Take to Get an ABPA Panel Test Report?

Reports are usually available the next day by 6:00 PM once the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get the ABPA Panel Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting ABPA Panel Test Results

What Your ABPA Panel Test Results May Indicate

The following table guides understanding of your ABPA panel test results:

Conditions that May Affect ABPA Panel Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your ABPA panel test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• High-dose biotin (>5 mg/day) may interfere with immunoassays; a minimum of 8–12 hours should elapse before sample collection
• Recent infections or illnesses may temporarily affect antibody levels.
• Current medications, particularly immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroids, may impact results.
• Haemolysed, lipemic, icteric, or clotted blood samples can affect test accuracy.
• Improper sample storage or transportation conditions may influence results.
• Other allergic conditions may cause elevated IgE levels not specifically related to ABPA.

How Is an ABPA Panel Test Done?

The ABPA panel test involves a simple blood collection process:

• A healthcare professional will clean the area around a vein in your arm with an antiseptic.
• A tourniquet is applied to make the vein more visible and easier to access.
• A sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw approximately 3 ml of blood.
• The blood sample is collected in a gel vacutainer tube.
• The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the puncture site.
• Your blood sample is properly labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How Should You Prepare for an ABPA Panel Test?

Preparing for your ABPA panel test is straightforward:

• No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Continue regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Inform about biotin supplements; if taking more than 5 mg daily, wait at least 8 hours before the test.
• Provide clinical history. Be ready to discuss your respiratory symptoms and medical history with the healthcare provider.
• Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for blood collection.

Diseases that an ABPA Panel Test Can Help Detect

The ABPA panel test primarily helps in diagnosing and monitoring several conditions:

• Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Hypersensitivity reactions to Aspergillus species
• Complications in chronic asthma patients
• Aspergillus-related conditions in cystic fibrosis patients
• Differential diagnosis of allergic and fungal-related lung disorders

ABPA Panel Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

The following related tests and packages are available to provide a comprehensive allergy assessment:

ABPA Panel Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of an ABPA panel test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities:

Reference:

• Kit insert
• Heyworth-Smith D, Campbell P. Laboratory Diagnosis of Allergy. QML pathology newsletter, Brisbane, 2017