Coccidioides Antibody, Complement Fixation and Immunodiffusion, Serum
Use
The test is used for the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, a fungal infection found in the Southwestern US, Central America, and South America. The infection is acquired by inhalation of arthroconidia of Coccidioides immitis/posadasii. It often presents as a mild, self-limiting pulmonary infection, but can progress to more severe forms including chronic pneumonia, resulting in fibronodular or cavitary disease. The test detects IgG antibodies by complement fixation and precipitating antibodies (IgM and IgG) by immunodiffusion, which can suggest active or recent infections, and help in monitoring the serological response of the patient.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Antibodies, both IgM and IgG, may persist in the bloodstream even after the infection has resolved, leading to potential false-positive results for past, resolved infections. The presence of IgG parallels complement fixation antibodies and may suggest an active or recent asymptomatic infection; however, these antibodies can remain even after the infection has cleared. This test cannot distinguish between an active infection and previous exposure alone.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Complement Fixation, Immunodiffusion)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 87435-4 - C immitis IgG + IgM Pnl SerPl
- 62459-3 - C immitis IgG Ser Ql ID
- 62458-5 - C immitis IgM Ser Ql ID
Result Turnaround Time
4-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.8 mL
Minimum Volume
1.2 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |