The valley fever blood test also known as the Coccidioidomycosis antibody test is a blood test that is done to look for infections due to a fungus called coccidiosis, which causes coccidioidomycosis or valley fever. This is a fungal infection that can infect any human when accidentally breathe or inhale spores from a fungus known as Coccidioides organisms. Valley fever usually happens to two typical fungi species that are commonly found in the soil of specific regions. It is an essential test because this fungus thrives abundantly in hot desert sands in Northern Mexico, Central and South America, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Africa, and some other parts of the world.
Also Read: Valley Fever: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
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Why Is This Test Performed?
One of several tests that can be done to determine if you are infected with coccidiosis, the precipitin test looks for the virus that causes coccidioidomycosis. We have antibodies which are a component of the immune system. These specialized proteins which circulate in the blood can recognize foreign substances like fungi, bacteria, and viruses and defend them. These are called antigens. When our body is exposed to antigens or foreign substances, it produces antibodies. The precipitin testing determines if the body has produced antibodies to a specific antigen, which is the coccidiosis fungus in this case. If the test for valley fever antibodies is positive, doctors may also advise the patient to perform a titer.
Also Read: Antibody Titer Test: What Is It? Who Needs It And What To Expect?
How Is Valley Fever Testing Done?
To prepare for the test, there is no special preparation that needs to be done and only needs a blood sample by inserting a needle to draw blood. In most cases prick or stinging. The sample is sent to a laboratory. It is examined for precipitin that forms when specific antibodies are present. Certain imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans of your lungs may also be done to look for valley fever or pneumonia.
What Does Test Results Mean?
The result of a valley fever blood test is considered negative when no precipitins are formed. This implies the blood test could not find the antibody to Coccidioides. On the other hand, a positive result means the antibody to Coccidioides has been detected. However in some cases, during the early stage of an illness, few antibodies may be detected. Antibody production increases during any mild to severe infection. For this reason, this test may be repeated several weeks after the first test to confirm that you have valley fever.
When To Get Valley Fever Testing Done?
As a rule, if in at least two weeks, you have been traveling to or a native of the above-mentioned places and suffering from fatigue, cough, or troubled breathing, you should consider a valley fever screening to be done at the earliest before they can lead to fatal complications.
Are There Any Risks Of Valley Fever Testing
There is little risk involved in this testing. By and large, veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, therefore taking blood from some people may be more complicated. Other risks associated with this testing are
- Fainting
- Excessive bleeding
- Lightheadedness
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
- Hematoma or when blood accumulates under the skin
- Infection
