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Test Code PLFAT Cryptococcus Antigen Titer, Lateral Flow Assay, Pleural Fluid


Specimen Required


Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see PLFA / Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Pleural Fluid.

 

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL


Useful For

Diagnosis of infection with Cryptococcus species

Method Name

Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see PLFA / Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Pleural Fluid.

 

Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)

Reporting Name

Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, PF

Specimen Type

Pleural Fluid

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reference Values

Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see PLFA / Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Pleural Fluid.

Interpretation

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

 

Monitoring cryptococcal antigen levels 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.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

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

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PLFAT Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, PF 11473-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
48431 Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, PF 11473-6

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;19(12):1988-1990. doi:10.1128/CVI.00446-12

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

3. Chang CC, Harrison TS, Bicanic TA, et al. Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of cryptococcosis: an initiative of the ECMM and ISHAM in cooperation with the ASM. [published correction appears in Lancet Infect Dis. 2024;24(8):e485. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00426-2]. Lancet Infect Dis. 2024;24(8):e495-e512. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00731-4

4. Perfect JR, Bicanic T. Cryptococcosis diagnosis and treatment: What do we know now. Fungal Genet Biol. 2015;78:49-54. doi:10.1016/j.fgb.2014.10.003

Forms

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