Histoplasma capsulatum/Blastomyces species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC45619Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID HBRPCPT Code 87798

Histoplasma capsulatum/Blastomyces species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies

Clinical Use

Use

Rapid detection of Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA is crucial for aiding in the rapid diagnosis of histoplasmosis and blastomycosis. These infections can cause a variety of clinical manifestations ranging from self-limited, mild pulmonary illness to potentially life-threatening, disseminated disease. This PCR assay provides specific detection and differentiation of B dermatitidis/gilchristii and H capsulatum directly from clinical specimens, offering a faster alternative to traditional culture methods which can take days to weeks.

Special Instructions

Urine is not an acceptable source for this assay. Submissions must specify the specimen source. Shipping instructions require that specimens arrive within 7 days of collection, with NALC/NaOH-digested specimens having the same requirement from the time of digestion. A Microbiology Test Request form should be submitted with the specimen if not ordered electronically.

Limitations

The PCR assay detects nucleic acid and does not distinguish between viable organisms and those persisting from previous disease. Test results should be correlated with patient symptoms. Fungal culture has increased sensitivity over PCR and should be performed when PCR is negative. Sensitivity from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is low, and negative results do not rule out infection. The assay does not detect presence of viable organisms, only the presence of DNA.

Test Details

New York Approved