Cryptococcus Antigen, CSF
Use
The Cryptococcus Antigen test for CSF is a screening test and titer for the detection of Cryptococcus species, an etiologic agent of fungal meningitis. Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious infection caused by the organism Cryptococcus, and the antigen test helps in early detection. The test is intended as a rapid test to confirm suspicion of infection, though a confirmatory culture is required, as specified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Special Instructions
A titer is performed on all positive specimens, and titer results are reported to the client. It is assumed that a culture was performed before sending to ARUP Laboratories unless a specific request for culture is added to the test order (Fungal Culture, ARUP test code 0060149).
Limitations
A negative result does not exclude the possibility of Cryptococcal infection. It is crucial to confirm any positive antigen tests with a culture for accurate diagnosis.
Methodology
Immunoassay (EIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 29896-8
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
ARUP Sterile Transport Tube
Causes for Rejection
Unacceptable conditions not specified
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 hour |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 week |
