Synonyms: Cryptococcal antigen, C. neoformans antigen

CPT 4 Code: 87327

Applies to: Detection of Cryptococcus antigen in blood and CSF by EIA method

Lab: Mycology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: Aseptic technique for CSF; routine venipuncture for blood

Storage Instructions: Room temperature. Do not refrigerate

Causes for Rejection: Insufficient quantity, hemolysis, lipemia

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at the Microbiology Processing Laboratory, Room 5.137 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: 1-2 days

Special Instructions: Test performed in place of India ink examination. Test is performed daily. CSF results are reported as a titer. Serum sample results are reported as positive or negative.

Specimen: CSF or blood

Minimum Volume: 0.5 ml serum or CSF

Container: CSF, sterile container; Blood, Vacutainer, red top

Critical Values: Positive

Test Method: Semi-automated EIA (Meridian)

Revised/reviewed 07/25/2008 by T. Friloux