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Test Code PLFA Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Pleural Fluid


Additional Testing Requirements


Pleural fluid testing for cryptococcal antigen should also be submitted for routine fungal culture. Order FGEN / Fungal Culture, Routine.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL


Useful For

Diagnosis of infection with Cryptococcus species

Testing Algorithm

If this screen is positive, the antigen titer will be performed at an additional charge.

Method Name

Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)

Reporting Name

Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, PF

Specimen Type

Pleural Fluid

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Pleural Fluid Refrigerated (preferred) 21 days
  Frozen  30 days

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

The presence of cryptococcal antigen in pleural fluid is indicative of infection with Cryptococcus species.

 

Monitoring cryptococcal antigen levels as a means to determine response to therapy is discouraged, as antigen levels may persist despite adequate treatment and disease resolution.

 

A negative result indicates lack of infection; however, rare cases of false-negative results have been reported. Fungal culture should always be ordered alongside antigen testing.

Clinical Reference

1. Binnicker MJ, Jespersen DJ, Bestrom JE, Rollins LO: Comparison of four assays for the detection of cryptococcal antigen. Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2012 Dec;19(12):1988-1990

2. Howell SA, Hazen KC, Brandt ME: Candida, cryptococcus, and other yeast of medical importance. In: Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 11th ed. ASM Press; 2015:1984-2014

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

87899-Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, PF

87899-Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, PF (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PLFA Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, PF 29533-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
42396 Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, PF 29533-7

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
PLFAT Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, PF No No

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.