It includes IgG test for – Alternaria, cladosposirum, penicllium, pigeon droppings, aspergillus, Mucor
Metropolis Healthcare, a diagnostic service provider recently launched hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) profile, a new series of test for timely diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis by identifying the allergens (foreign substances) that causes the condition. hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a rare immune system disorder that affects the lungs of a segment of population which is caused by sensitisation to inhaled organic antigens (like toxins or enzymes) or low molecular weight chemical compounds. These substances trigger the immune system, causing short or long term inflammation especially in part of the lungs called the interstitium. The inflammation makes it difficult for the lungs to function properly, even leading to permanent organ damage. Pigeon droppings and pigeon pertaining dust is the most common form of allergen that causes this ailment.
HP profile antibody testing is one of the diagnostic criteria for the test. It includes IgG test for – Alternaria, cladosposirum, penicllium, pigeon droppings, aspergillus, Mucor, etc. One widely cited set of criteria includes the following findings (though not validated): symptoms compatible with HP; examining evidence of exposure to an appropriate antigen by either the history or antibody testing results; checking symptom periodicity that correlates with recurrent antigen exposure; Imaging findings compatible with HP and lymphocytosis on BAL [bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a minimally invasive, well-tolerated bronchoscopy procedure which plays an important role in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD)]; and histopathologic features compatible with HP.
Dr Deepak Sanghavi, Head-Technical Operations, West SBU India, Metropolis Healthcare said, “We have become accustomed to breathing in air pollutants and dust. With the constant intake of such irritants, we fail to notice any symptoms initially. After repeated exposure for a prolonged period, we start to experience symptoms that signal to an underlying problem. By then, the condition has worsened leaving less scope of treatment. With hypersensitivity pneumonitis affecting a large number of people, it has become even more essential to prevent, check for, monitor and diagnose the condition in time. We at Metropolis Healthcare believe in identifying such conditions and creating awareness about the same among people as they go largely undetected. Considering the condition is difficult to cure in the later stages, early diagnosis is the only way we can mitigate the risk and reverse damage, hence we are happy to launch the hypersensitivity pneumonitis profile to detect the condition.”