Cryptococcal Antigen Latex (Serum)

Test Code

032250

CPT Codes
86403<br /> Restricted Client Code

Includes

If Cryptococcal antigen screen is result is detected, equivocal, or indeterminate, then a reflex to titer will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code: 86406).

Preferred Specimen

2 mL serum collected in serum separator tube (SST)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge serum specimens within 1 hour of collection. Transfer serum to clean, plastic, screw-capped vial(s). Refrigerate samples and transport on refrigerant coolant, or freeze samples and transport on dry ice to the laboratory.

Transport Container

Transport tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen (-70ºC): 60 days (glass tubes unacceptable)

Methodology
Latex Agglutination

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

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.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.