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Test ID CRYPU Cryptococcus Antigen, Urine

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis

Method Name

Latex Agglutination

Reporting Name

Cryptococcus Ag, Urine

Specimen Type

Urine

Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube (Supply T068)

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a random urine specimen.

2. No preservative.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Urine Refrigerated (preferred) 7 days
  Frozen  7 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; Variable

Report Available

1 day

Performing 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

NY State Approved

Yes