Home
HelpTest ID CRYPF Cryptococcus Antigen, Pleural Fluid
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis
Method Name
Latex Agglutination
Reporting Name
Cryptococcus Ag, Pleural FluidSpecimen Type
Pleural FluidContainer/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pleural Fluid | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information
Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. The organism has been isolated from several sites in nature, particularly weathered pigeon droppings.
Infection is usually acquired via the pulmonary route. Patients are often unaware of any exposure history. Approximately half of the patients with symptomatic disease have a predisposing immunosuppressive condition such as AIDS, steroid therapy, lymphoma, or sarcoidosis. Symptoms may include fever, headache, dizziness, ataxia, somnolence, and cough.
In addition to the lungs, cryptococcal infections frequently involve the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in patients infected with HIV. Mortality in CNS cryptococcosis may approach 25% despite antibiotic therapy. Untreated CNS cryptococcosis is invariably fatal. Disseminated disease may affect any organ system and usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals.
Reference Values
Negative
Cautions
A negative result does not preclude the diagnosis of cryptococcosis, particularly if only a single specimen has been tested and the patient shows symptoms consistent with cryptococcosis.
Patients having trichosporonosis may yield false-positive results.
Rheumatoid factor may produce false-positive results.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; 2 p.m.
Report Available
Same day\1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical 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.CPT Code Information
87899