Galactomannan antigenemia detection for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, part I

Until recently, the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis was often made based on clinical and radiologic findings, which are insensitive and non-specific. The Platelia Apergillus galactomannan enzyme immunoassay, which has been available in Europe for nearly a decade and in the United States since 2003, provides an aid to the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Clinicians should be familiar with the uses and limitations of the assay to use it effectively in patient management. Part I of this two-part series of articles describes the test methodology, its application for use, and those factors that may affect test performance.