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Test ID CRYPS Cryptosporidium Antigen, Feces

Useful For

Establishing the diagnosis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis

Testing Algorithm

For other diagnostic tests that may be of value in evaluating patients with diarrhea; the following algorithms are available in Special Instructions:

-Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm

-Laboratory Testing for Infectious Causes of Diarrhea

Method Name

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Reporting Name

Cryptosporidium Ag, F

Specimen Type

Fecal

Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).

           

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Preserved Stool

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Stool container with 10% buffered formalin preservative (Supply T466)

Acceptable: SAF or MF

Specimen Volume: 5 g

Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated

 

Unpreserved Stool

Container/Tube: Stool container (Supply T288)

Specimen Volume: 5 g

Specimen Stability Information: Frozen

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Fecal Varies

Clinical Information

Cryptosporidia are protozoa of the coccidian group which are common parasites of livestock animals and can contaminate and survive in surface water supplies.

 

Infection of humans occurs by the fecal-oral route or by ingestion of contaminated water. The exact mechanism by which the organism causes gastroenteritis is unknown.

 

Cryptosporidiosis occurs as a profuse diarrhea in patients with AIDS and as a self-limited moderate diarrhea in young children, especially daycare attendees and their relatives.

 

See Parasitic Investigation of Stool Specimens Algorithm and Laboratory Testing for Infectious Causes of Diarrhea in Special Instructions for other diagnostic tests that may be of value in evaluating patients with diarrhea.

Reference Values

Negative

Cautions

Examination of multiple fecal specimens may be required to detect Cryptosporidium.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday; 1 p.m.

Report Available

Same day/1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87328

NY State Approved

Yes