Aspergillus — Serology

Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.

Background
Serologic testing (antibody) for Aspergillus and other fungi is available at Public Health Ontario.

Fungal infections can be challenging to diagnose, as symptoms are often non-specific and can mimic bacterial, viral, other fungal infections, or malignancy. Culture remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of most invasive fungal infections; however, results of fungal serological tests can often be used to aid in the diagnosis and/or management of specific fungal infections and fungal allergies.

Aspergillus species are ubiquitous environmental molds that are inhaled daily by most individuals. While invasive disease is typically restricted to immunocompromised individuals, immunocompetent individuals can have certain allergic manifestations or develop chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA).

For information on fungal culture please refer to:

For other fungal serology testing refer to:

Updates as of September 14, 2026

This page contains test information specific to Aspergillus Serology and replaces the information previously published under Fungal Serology.

*Uncontrolled print copy. Valid only on day of print: 14 Sep 2026.

Testing Indications

Aspergillus serology testing may be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of immunocompetent adult patients where allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), or fungal sinusitis are due to Aspergillus.

This test is not intended for the diagnosis or management of acute aspergillosis in the immunocompromised patient.

Acceptance/Rejection Criteria

Test request is rejected if:

inappropriate specimen type is submitted
specimen volume is insufficient for testing
required patient information and relevant clinical history are not provided on the requisition
specific fungal agent’s name (i.e. Aspergillus) is not specified on the requisition. “Fungal serology” is not an acceptable request.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested	Required Requisition(s)	Specimen Type	Minimum Volume	Collection Kit
Aspergillus Serology	General Test Requisition	Serum	1.0 ml serum	Collect blood in serum separator tubes (SST)

Submission and Collection Notes

Complete all fields of the requisition form, including:

Test(s) requests (indicate the specific fungus/fungi being requested) and indication(s) for testing.
Patient setting/population/source
Symptoms
Onset date

Label the specimen container(s) with the patient’s first and last name, date of collection, and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. For additional information see: Criteria for Acceptance of Patient Specimens. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Timing of Specimen Collection

An acute serum sample (collected early after the symptom onset) and a convalescent (collected 2–3 weeks later) may be required for laboratory diagnosis.

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.

Storage and Transport

Centrifuge serum if using SST.

Samples should be stored at 2–8°C following collection and shipped on ice packs to PHO as soon as possible. For transportation, place specimen in biohazard bag and seal.
All clinical specimens must be shipped in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Good Act.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Aspergillus EIA is performed biweekly at Public Health Ontario’s Toronto location.

TAT for Aspergillus is up to 14 business days after receipt at test site.

Test Methods

Aspergillus serology is tested by Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and detects IgG antibodies.

Limitations:
A negative result does not rule out the possibility of current infection or previous exposure.

Interpretation

The following table provides possible test results with associated interpretations:

Aspergillus IgG EIA
Result	Interpretation	Comments
Non-Reactive	No detectable level of antibody against Aspergillus	A Non-Reactive result cannot exclude the possibility of aspergillosis
Indeterminate	Aspergillus antibody status inconclusive. Resubmit if clinically indicated.
Reactive	Detectable level of antibody against Aspergillus	Results to be interpreted in the context of the clinical history, signs, and symptoms of the patient.

Reporting

Results are reported to the physician, authorized health care provider (General O. Reg 45/22, s.18) or submitter as indicated on the requisition.