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Cryptococcal Antigen,Serum
Test CodeCAGSER
CPT Codes
86403
Preferred Specimen
Serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 ml
Instructions
Remove serum from fully clotted whole blood and transfer to a clean, labeled tube. Patient sample must be tested within 24 h of collection, if stored at room temperature.
Transport Container
RED/1
Transport Temperature
2-8C
Specimen Stability
72 h at 2-8C
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly hemolyzed, QNS, Improperly labelled, stored or transported
Methodology
Immunochromatography
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
Upon Completion of Analysis
Limitations
Testing should only be done when clinical evidence suggests the diagnosis of cryptococcal disease.
Reference Range
Negative
Clinical Significance
The encapsulated soil yeast Cryptococcus neoformans causes Cryptococcosis. Pulmonary infection is acquired by inhalation of the organism and is usually subclinical in the immunocompetent host. Dissemination may occur in an immunocompromised patient, often to the meninges.