| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Histoplasma Antibody, Immunodiffusion
Test Code526
CPT Codes
86698
Includes
M Band and H Band
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Lipemia • CSF • Pleural fluid
Methodology
Immunodiffusion (ID)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon, Wed-Sat; Report Available: 3-6 days
Clinical Significance
This immunodiffusion assay is highly specific for histoplasmosis infection but may have low sensitivity in early infection. Two different immunoprecipitin bands may be detected. The M band develops with acute infection, is often present in chronic infection, and may persist for months to years. The H band, which is usually present with the M band, generally suggests a chronic or severe acute infection. The presence of both the H and M bands is considered conclusive for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis.
