Fungitell® (1‑3)‑β‑D‑Glucan Assay, Endpoint
Also known as: glucan antigen test, glucan endpoint test
Use
This assay detects (1‑3)‑β‑D‑glucan in serum to aid in the presumptive diagnosis of invasive fungal infections, particularly caused by Candida, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis species, by detecting glucan antigen released into circulation in at‑risk patients. False negatives may occur with fungi such as Cryptococcus, Mucorales, and Blastomyces dermatitidis. Use should be combined with other diagnostic procedures.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
This test does not identify specific fungal species and may yield false‑positive results in patients recently exposed to hemodialysis, certain blood products (e.g., albumin, immunoglobulins), or glucan‑containing surgical materials. False‑negative results may occur with pathogens that produce low or no (1‑3)‑β‑D‑glucan such as Cryptococcus species, Mucorales, and Blastomyces dermatitidis, and results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic modalities.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Multiplex Protein Panel)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL preferred (0.5 mL minimum)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plain red‑top tube or serum separator tube (SST); then aliquot into sterile glucan‑free screw‑cap container or glucan‑free transport tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in plain red‑top tube or SST, spin down, then aliquot into a sterile screw‑cap or glucan‑free transport tube
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis • Lipemia • Icteric • Turbid serum • Glass tubes
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 15 days |
| Frozen | 27 days |