Test Code ULFA Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Random, Urine
Specimen Required
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. No preservative.
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of infection with Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii
This test should not be used as a test of cure.
This test should not be used as a screening procedure for the general population.
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
ULFAT | Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, U | No | No |
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, USpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Reference values apply to all ages.
Interpretation
The presence of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in any body fluid is strongly suggestive of infection with Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii.
Declining titer results are suggestive of clinical response to therapy. However, monitoring CrAg titers should not be used as a test of cure, as low-level titers may persist for extended periods of time following appropriate therapy and disease resolution.
In addition to testing for CrAg, patients with presumed disease due to C neoformans or C gattii should have appropriate clinical specimens (eg, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) submitted for routine smear and fungal culture.
Clinical Reference
1. Hazen KC, Howell SA: Candida, Cryptococcus, and other yeasts of medical importance. In: Murray PR, ed. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 9th ed. ASM Press; 2007:1762-1788
2. Bruner KT, Franco-Paredes C, Henao-Martinez A, et al: Cryptococcus gattii complex infections in HIV-infected patients, Southeastern United States. EID. 2018 Nov;24(11):1998-2002. doi: 10.3201/eid2411.180787
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterTest 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
87899 (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ULFA | Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, U | 16693-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
604095 | Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, U | 16693-4 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.