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Test Code CLFAT Cryptococcus Antigen Titer, Lateral Flow Assay, Spinal Fluid

Reporting Name

Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, CSF

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

Monitoring Cryptococcus antigen titers in cerebrospinal fluid

 

Aiding in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis

 

This test should not be used as a test of cure or to guide treatment decisions.

Method Name

Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL


Specimen Type

CSF

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Reference Values

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Interpretation

The presence of cryptococcal antigen in any body fluid (serum or cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) is indicative of cryptococcosis.

 

Disseminated infection is usually accompanied by a positive serum test.

 

Declining titers may indicate regression of infection. However, monitoring titers to cryptococcal antigen should not be used as a test of cure or to guide treatment decisions. Low-level titers may persist for extended periods of time following appropriate therapy and resolution of infection.(3,4)

 

According to the College of American Pathologists (CAP, IMM.41840), CSF specimens submitted for initial diagnosis that test positive by the lateral flow assay, should also be submitted for routine fungal culture. Culture can aid in differentiating between the 2 common Cryptococcus species causing disease (Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii) and can be used for antifungal susceptibility testing, if necessary. CSF specimens submitted to monitor antigen levels during treatment do not need to be cultured.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87899

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
CLFAT Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, CSF 9817-8

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
62076 Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, CSF 9817-8

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.