Serial histoplasma complement fixation
Key points
- Serial histoplasma complement fixation is a test for antibodies to the fungus Histoplasma by a serologic technique called complement fixation.
- Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
- The area is cleaned with antiseptic and stuck with a sharp needle or a lancet.
- The test will be repeated in 10 days to 2 weeks or longer.
Definition
Serial histoplasma complement fixation is a test for antibodies to the fungus Histoplasma by a serologic technique called complement fixation. This test is usually repeated about 4 weeks later. If a patient has an active infection, the antibodies should increase over that time period. This is called a "rise in the titer of paired serologies".
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
Infant or young child:
The area is cleaned with antiseptic and stuck with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
How to prepare for the test
There is no special preparation for the test. The test will be repeated in 10 days to 2 weeks or longer.
Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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