Cryptococcus Antigen
CPT:
87899. If reflex testing is performed, concomitant CPT codes/charges will apply.
Test Includes
Reflex to titer on positive result
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 3 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Information
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (2°-8°C) or frozen (<−20°C)
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Refrigerated | 72 hours (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Frozen | >72 hours (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Causes for Rejection
Quantity not sufficient for analysis; inappropriate specimen source; inappropriate specimen collection device; hemolysis; lipemia; specimen stability exceeded; name discrepancy between the name on the specimen container and the name in the computer or on the test request form
Test Details
Use
Aid in establishing the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii infection
Limitations
Endpoint titers may not correlate between different methods of cryptococcal antigen testing. Patients with positive cryptococcal antigen results, therefore, should be monitored using the same assay.
Methodology
Lateral flow immunochromographic assay
Additional Information
Published data for the median sensitivity and specificity for serum specimens are 100% and 99.5%, respectively. False-positive results due to the presence of rheumatoid factor have not been noted with the cryptococcal antigen lateral flow immunochromatographic assay. A negative test does not preclude diagnosis of Cryptococcus infection, particularly if only a single specimen has been tested and the patient shows symptoms consistent with cryptococcosis.
References
Binnicker MJ, Jespersen DJ, Bestrom JE, Rollins LO. Comparison of four assays for the detection of cryptococcal antigen. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2012 Dec; 19(12):1988-1990. 23081814
Klausner JD, Vijayan T, Chiller T. Sensitivity and specificity of a new cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.MLO. 2013 Mar; 45(3):16,18,20. 23822028
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 183025 | Cryptococcus Antigen, Serum | 70910-5 | 183026 | Cryptococcus Antigen, Serum | 70910-5 |
| Reflex Table for Cryptococcus Antigen, Serum | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order Code | Order Name | Result Code | Result Name | UofM | Result LOINC | |
| Reflex 1 | 183036 | Cryptococcus Ag Titer, Serum | 183036 | Cryptococcus Ag Titer, Serum | 9818-6 | |
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