Definition of Coccidioides precipitin:

Coccidioides precipitin is a blood test that looks for antibodies to the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which causes the disease coccidioidomycosis.

How the test is performed:

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.

This test looks for the antibodies in the clear liquid portion of the blood, which is called the serum. An antibody defends the body against some bacteria, viruses, fungus, or other foreign substance. Certain cells tell the body to produce antibodies during an active infection.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation for the test.

How the test will feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed:

The precipitin test is one of several tests that can be done to determine if you are infected with the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which causes the disease coccidioidomycosis.