Galactomannan Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, & Results

Table of Content

Introduction to the Galactomannan Test

A serum galactomannan (GM) test is widely used to diagnose invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a fungus infection caused by Aspergillus species. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is one of the leading causes of mortality in acute leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSAT). The galactomannan test is a diagnostic tool for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients, such as those with stem cell transplant recipients, hematologic malignancies, and organ transplant recipients. A healthcare provider may suggest the test for several reasons, primarily related to managing and functioning fungal infections. Your doctor may recommend a galactomannan test if they suspect symptoms suggestive of it, like fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Besides, if you have a weak immune system due to undergoing chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, or organ transplants, you are at a high risk for invasive aspergillosis. Early detection before the symptoms become severe allows for prompt treatment. 

If your doctor has suggested a test, please don't hesitate to let me know. Book your appointment for a galactomannan test from Redcliffe Labs—Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab. Ours is an omnichannel diagnostics platform, combining digital and offline offerings to provide customers with quality testing and doorstep sample collection convenience. So, why wait? We are just a call away, or you can book a galactomannan test online and have the sample collected from home by our trained and certified phlebotomists. Rest assured. 

Test Details:

Purpose of the Galactomannan Test

A serum galactomannan (GM) antigen test is primarily used to detect invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. These patients are mainly those who have undergone stem cell transplants, organ transplants, and hematologic malignancies. Galactomannan is a polysaccharide component of the cell wall of Aspergillus species that may be released into the blood and other body fluids during infection. 

The serum galactomannan test is aimed at performing the following: 

• Timely Identification: The test helps detect invasive aspergillus early in high-risk patients. Further, a timely detection can help begin with appropriate fungal therapy. 
• Treatment Efficacy: Timely identification and symptoms such as fever are not the only reasons your doctor can suggest the GM test. The test also monitors the effectiveness of fungal treatment in patients diagnosed with Aspergillus. 
• Differentiating Infections: Patients complain of bacterial or viral infections owing to similar symptoms. However, performing this test can help differentiate invasive aspergillosis from other infections. 

Besides, unexplained fever, respiratory issues, chest pain, and other symptoms are suggestive of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Hence, your doctor may suggest a GM test to find out the actual cause of these signs and symptoms. 

Other scenarios when a doctor prompts a galactomannan test 

There are other scenarios when a doctor may suggest the need for a galactomannan test: 

• Screening high-risk patients: A healthcare provider may suggest a galactomannan test for screening high-risk patients, such as those with stem cell and bone marrow transplants, hematopoietic cell transplantation, organ transplants, and chemotherapy. 
• Provides a comprehensive assessment of the patient: The GM test is performed in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as CT scans and microbiological cultures, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition. 

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider has suggested a galactomannan test based on your symptoms, risk factor, or other reasons, getting tested in time is critical to evaluating your health and taking appropriate measures accordingly. 

What does the test detect?

The galactomannan test detects the presence of polysaccharides in the cell walls of Aspergillus species. The test specifically targets the galactomannan antigen, which is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell wall of Aspergillus fungi. 

The galactomannan test is a crucial tool that aids in the early detection and management of invasive Aspergillus. Galactomannan is released into the bloodstream and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples. 

In addition, the clinical relevance of the galactomannan test reveals: 

• Early Detection: Early diagnosis is critical for initiating timely and effective antifungal treatment. 

• Monitoring: The GM test helps monitor the response to antifungal therapy in patients with invasive Aspergillus. 

• High Risk Population: It is beneficial for diagnosing aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. 

The galactomannan test shows a high positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). In this way, the test provides appropriate clinical information. 

Preparation for the galactomannan test 

There is no special preparation required for a galactomannan test. The test does not require you to fast, as it involves a simple blood test. However, keeping a few instructions in mind will help you get accurate results. 

• Do not drink or smoke before the test. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are on some prescribed or non-prescribed medications, as certain ingredients can interfere with the test results. Your doctor may advise you to continue or stop taking them before the test to achieve desired results. 
• Strenuous exercise is a big ‘no’ before the test to avoid hormone fluctuations and ensure accurate test results. 

There is no hard-and-fast rule about the preparations. In case of any doubts, you can consult your doctor to ensure appropriate measurements are taken and galactomannan test results are accurate. 

Procedure for the Galactomannan Test

The procedure for the galactomannan test is simple and involves collecting a blood sample. Below is a step-by-step procedure for the galactomannan test, which includes the following information:

• The phlebotomist may tie a band around your arm and ask you to make a fist so the vein of your arm is clearly visible. 
• Then, he will clean the site with a disinfectant to prevent infection. 
• Then, he will insert a sterile needle into the vein and collect the blood sample. 
• After collecting the blood, he will remove the syringe, and apply a bandage to reduce the chances of infection. 
• The collected sample will be transferred into a vial or a test tube and labeled with your name and details before being sent to the laboratory for analysis.

What does the test report indicate?

The serum galactomannan test report indicates the presence of galactomannan antigen in the serum (blood) sample. 

• If the test report is positive, it means the galactomannan antigen is present, suggesting a possibility of an invasive Aspergillus infection. Hence, it prompts the immediate need for medical attention, allowing timely intervention for effective management. 
• If the test report is negative, it means the galactomannan antigen is not detected, reducing the probability of invasive Aspergillosis. 

What if the galactomannan test reports are positive?

If your galactomannan test reports are positive, it indicates the presence of galactomannan antigen in the serum. Some of the symptoms of a positive galactomannan test include unexplained fever, cough, chest pain, and dyspnea. Therefore, it suggests a possible or probable invasive Aspergillus infection. Further, a positive result strongly indicates invasive aspergillosis, particularly in high-risk patients such as those who are immunocompromised; therefore, creating a need for a closer examination of the patient. 

Who should take the test?

The galactomannan test is useful for patients at a higher risk of invasive aspergillosis. Here are certain groups of patients who should consider taking the GM test: 

• Immunocompromised patients: It is restricted to patients with hematologic malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood cancers. The GM test is also suggested for recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants or those who have undergone organ transplants. 
• Patients with long-term corticosteroid therapy are advised to take the test. The treatment can weaken their immune system and increase their risk of fungal infection.
• Symptomatic patients: Individuals with unexplained fever, shortness of breath, and abnormal imaging findings, like CT scans, are usually recommended for a GM test. 

Early and accurate detection of aspergillus infection can significantly improve patient outcomes. 

What are the risk factors associated with the test?

The galactomannan (GM) test is a low-risk test, as it involves the collection of blood or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples. However, there are key risk factors associated with the GM test:

• Inserting or removing the needle at the time of collecting blood from your vein may be slightly painful. However, the pain and bruises will fade away after a few days. If the symptoms don’t disappear, seeking immediate medical assistance is advisable. 
• Certain antibiotics can lead to false-positive results.
• Consuming foods including galactomannan, such as pasta, rice, and cereals, can produce false positives. 

What are the common symptoms related to the disease?

A doctor may suggest a galactomannan test for several reasons. However, it is primarily related to fungal infections. Some common symptoms that are suggestive of a serum galactomannan test are: 

• Respiratory problem: Patients suffering from unexplained fever, chest pain, cough, or shortness of breath may be tested to confirm the diagnosis. 
• Persistent Fever: If Individuals suffering from persistent fever are not responding to antibiotics, the GM test will help identify a fungal cause. 

Book the Galactomannan Test from Redcliffe Labs at an affordable price! 

You cannot delay when it is a matter of your health, as the results could be drastic. If your doctor has suggested the galactomannan test, book now with Redcliffe Labs. Get yourself tested at a reasonable galactomannan test price of Rs 5,500. Our sample collection service is convenient. Express slots are also available to get your sample picked within 45 minutes and accurate test reports within a stipulated time. 

Galactomannan Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Galactomannan Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.