- Quantitative analysis of galactomannan levels in either bronchoalveolar lavage or blood that is used to diagnose invasive aspergillosis
Pathophysiology
- Galactomannan is a component of the cell wall of Aspergillus species that is released when the organism is actively dividing
Interpretation
- Bronchoalveolar lavage more sensitive than serum
- False-positives in pip/tazo, amox/clav, Penicillium spp., Histoplasma spp.
