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Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
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Published on: March 22, 2012

False-positive Aspergillus antigen testing due to application of piperacillin/tazobactam--is it still an issue?

Olaf Penack1, Patricia Rempf, Barbara Graf

  • 1Hematology and Oncology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, D-12200 Berlin, Germany. penacko@mskcc.org

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|September 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

False-positive galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GEI) results from piperacillin/tazobactam (PT) therapy can be prevented. Blood draws before PT administration and separate IV sites minimize interference, ensuring accurate diagnostic testing.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Diagnostic Immunology

Background:

  • Piperacillin/tazobactam (PT) is a widely used antibiotic.
  • Galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GEI) is a key diagnostic test for invasive fungal infections.
  • Potential interference of PT with GEI testing requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of piperacillin/tazobactam (PT) therapy on the accuracy of galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GEI).
  • To identify strategies for mitigating PT-related interference in GEI results.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of galactomannan content in various PT batches.
  • Analysis of GEI test results in relation to PT administration timing and site.
  • Comparison of GEI results obtained with different blood sampling and antibiotic administration protocols.

Main Results:

  • Significant variability in galactomannan content was observed across different PT batches.
  • False-positive GEI results were associated with PT administration.
  • Implementing blood sampling prior to PT administration and using separate administration sites effectively prevented false positives.

Conclusions:

  • Piperacillin/tazobactam therapy can interfere with galactomannan enzyme immunoassay testing.
  • Pre-administration blood sampling and distinct administration sites are crucial for accurate GEI results.
  • These procedural adjustments are recommended to maintain the diagnostic utility of GEI in patients receiving PT.

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