Cocci Complement Fixation

CCF

Performed by SQL Test Code:1063

1.5 mL serum from a serum seperator tube (SST)

0.75 mL

Centrifuge as soon as possible after clot formation.

See link below for specimen details, methodology, setup schedule and reference ranges.

Refrigerated

Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 6 months

Days: Monday through Thursday

3-8 days

<1:2

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as San Joaquin Valley fever, is a systemic fungal infection endemic to Arizona and other parts of the southwestern United States. Approximately 60% of infections are asymptomatic. Of the 40% who develop symptoms, most will have an acute febrile "flu-like" illness starting 7-28 days (average 10-16 days) after exposure and most patients will recover completely. The main symptoms are fever, pleuritic chest pain, cough, malaise, headache, myalgia, night sweats and loss of appetite. Five percent of patients may develop metapulmonary dissemination to the meninges, bones, joints, and subcutaneous and cutaneous tissues within the first few weeks to months after the onset of primary infection. Complement Fixation (CF), a quantitative IgG assay, is useful as a prognostic test. Results are expressed as titers, such as 1:2 or 1:8. A titer of 1:16 or greater has been frequently associated with extrapulmonary dissemination.