Cryptococcal Antigen,Serum

Test Code

CAGSER

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.

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.