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TEST ID CLFA Cryptococcus Antigen Screen with Titer, Spinal Fluid

Reporting Name

Cryptococcus Ag Screen w/Titer, CSF

Specimen Type

CSF


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions: Submit specimen from collection vial 2 (preferred), 3, or 4.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Testing Algorithm

If result is positive, Cryptococcus titer will be performed at an additional charge.

 

For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm

Method Name

Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
CLFAT Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, CSF Yes No

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87899-Cryptococcus screen

87899-Cryptococcus titer (if appropriate)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis

 

This test should not be performed as a screening procedure for the general population.

 

This test should not be used as a test of cure or to guide treatment decisions.

Clinical Information

Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. C neoformans has been isolated from several sites in nature, particularly weathered pigeon droppings. C gattii was previously only associated with tropical and subtropical regions. More recently, however, this organism has been found to be endemic in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwestern United States and is associated with several different tree species.

 

Infection is usually acquired via the pulmonary route. Patients are often unaware of any exposure history. Approximately half of the patients with symptomatic disease have a predisposing immunosuppressive condition such as AIDS, steroid therapy, lymphoma, or sarcoidosis. Symptoms may include fever, headache, dizziness, ataxia, somnolence, and cough. While the majority of C neoformans infections occur in immunocompromised patient populations, C gattii has a higher predilection for infection of healthy individuals.(1,2)

 

In addition to the lungs, cryptococcal infections frequently involve the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in patients infected with HIV. Mortality among patients with CNS cryptococcosis may approach 25% despite antibiotic therapy. Untreated CNS cryptococcosis is invariably fatal. Disseminated disease may affect any organ system and usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals.