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HelpTest Code LABCRYAC Cryptococcal Antigen, Spinal Fluid
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGEN, SPINAL FLUID | LABCRYAC | CRYAC |
Useful For/Utility
Aiding in the diagnosis of cryptococcus. This test should not be used as a test of cure or to guide treatment decisions.
Methodology
Immunochromatography
A positive Cryptococcal antigen screen will automatically reflex to fungal culture (LAB7021-Culture, Fungi).
Clinical Information
According to the College of American Pathologists (CAP, IMM.41840), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples submitted for initial diagnosis, which test positive by the lateral flow assay, should also be submitted for routine fungal culture. Fungal cultures are not required for CSF samples that are submitted to monitor Cryptococcus antigen titers during treatment.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal Fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Grossly hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable.
CAUTIONS: Although rare, extremely high concentrations of cryptococcal antigen can result in weak test lines and in extreme instances, yield negative test results.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 72 Hours/Frozen OK/Ambient NO
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Microbiology-
SMDC Clinical Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87327
Reference Values
Negative
Cautions
A traumatic lumbar puncture and contamination of the CSF specimen with serum may lead to a positive Cryptococcus antigen result from CSF in patients without neuroinvasive cryptococcosis.
Interpretive Data
The presence of cryptococcal antigen in any body fluid (serum or 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.