Cryptococcus Ag Detection
Test Mnemonic
CAD
CPT Codes
- 87899 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
43228-6
Aliases
- Antigen Detection, Cryptococcus
- CAD
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mL | Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) | Sterile container | See note | Transport recommendations: Refrigerated: 72 hrs, Frozen; indefinitely. | |
| 1 - 2 mL | Serum | SST (Gold) | Refrigerated | Serum should be separated from cells ASAP after collection by centrifuging. Transport recommendations: Refrigerated: 72 hrs, Frozen; indefinitely. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | for CSF specimens |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Serum separated from clot: 1 week; Serum not separated from clot: 72 hours; CSF: 72 hours |
| Frozen | Serum: Indefinitely; CSF: Indefinitely |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
1 day
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Line Immunoassay (INNO-LIA) |
Reference Range
| Cryptococcal Ag Result | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| ~ | Negative |
Special Info
Testing can be performed only on CSF or serum. Test cannot be performed if specimen is hemolyzed or grossly contaminated. If Cryptococcal Antigen Detection is positive, a titer will be performed at an additional charge with CPT code 87899 applied. If Cryptococcal Antigen Detection is positive, culture will be reflexed.
Clinical Info
The Cryptococcal Antigen test is used to determine the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans antigen in CSF or serum using lateral flow methodology. Cryptococcal disease is known to occur more frequently in immunosuppressed patients and may follow exposure to bird droppings. False positives may occur in patients with T. beigelii infections or high levels of Human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). Positive specimens are titered.