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Ency. home > Test > C > Coccidioidin or spherulin skin test

Coccidioidin or spherulin skin test   

Overview | Risks | Results

Definition:

Coccidioides is a fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis. Coccidioidomycosis is common in the San Joaquin Valley of California and certain other areas in the Southwestern U.S. Symptoms resemble pneumonia or pulmonary tuberculosis. There may be small, red, inflamed areas on the skin. This test detects exposure to this fungus.

Coccidioidin and spherulin are two different antigens and are both used. Spherulin may be a more sensitive test than coccidioidin.

How the Test is Performed

The test site (an area with hair, usually the forearm) is cleansed. The allergen is then injected just below the skin surface. The test is read at 24 hours and at 48 hours.

How to Prepare for the Test

Adults:
No special preparation is necessary.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

There will be a brief sting as a needle is inserted just below the skin's surface.

Why the Test is Performed

The test detects if the body's immune system responds to the fungus, indicating that the person has been exposed to this organism.

Ency. home > Test > C > Coccidioidin or spherulin skin test

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