Histoplasma AG, Urine, EIA

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

HSTAGU

5 mL Urine

1.0 mL

Sterile Urine Cup

Refrigerated

Room Temperature: N/A
Refrigerated: 3 DAYS
Frozen: UNACCEPTABLE

Rejected if stored at room temperature. Frozen specimen.

Monday & Friday;
BS

1 - 3 days

Histoplasma capsulatum is a pathogenic dimorphic fungus of worldwide distribution which is endemic to the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys in the United States and to certain regions of Central and South America. The definitive diagnosis of Histoplasmosis is the isolation of H. capsulatum by culture from clinical specimens. However, cultures usually take 2 to 4 weeks before identification of fungus is possible. Serological methods offer a rapid alternative to microbiological techniques using immunodiffusion or complement fixation. Unfortunately, anti-H. capsulatum antibody titers remain elevated months or even years after successful therapy, and as a result it may not be possible to differentiate between subacute or inactive infections, chronic active forms, and relapses (frequently seen among AIDS patients). This assay detects the presence of H. capsulatum antigen in body fluids.