Coccidioides Antibody, Complement Fixation and Immunodiffusion, Spinal Fluid
Use
Diagnosing coccidioidomycosis using spinal fluid specimens. Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever) is a fungal infection found in the Southwestern US, Central and South America. It is acquired by inhalation of Coccidioides immitis/posadasii arthroconidia. While usually a mild pulmonary infection, it may progress or disseminate to involve multiple organs, including the meninges. Specific antibodies, IgG and IgM, can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid in cases of meningitis, aiding in the diagnosis.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete and send the Infectious Disease Serology Test Request form. Specimens must be submitted from collection vial 2 (preferred), 3, or 4. Use sterile containers for specimen collection. Ensure transport and handling conditions are met.
Limitations
IgG and IgM antibodies are rarely found in cerebrospinal fluid, but their presence is highly specific for meningitis diagnosis. Complement fixation titers in serum may persist long after infection resolution, but any titer in spinal fluid implies significance. Handling errors or improper specimen preparation may affect test outcomes.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 88745-5
- 13917-0
- 94662-4
- 94663-2
Result Turnaround Time
3-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1.2 mL
Container
Sterile vial
Collection Instructions
Submit specimen from collection vial 2 (preferred), 3, or 4.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |