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HelpTest ID HIBLC Histoplasma/Blastomyces Antibody Panel, Spinal Fluid
Useful For
Histoplasma:
Aiding in the diagnosis of Histoplasma meningitis
Blastomyces:
Detection of antibodies in patients having blastomycosis
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHIST | Histoplasma Ab, CSF | Yes | Yes |
| CBLAS | Blastomyces Ab, EIA, CSF | Yes | Yes |
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBL | Blastomyces Ab Immunodiffusion, CSF | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm
If Blastomyces antibody, EIA is positive or equivocal, then Blastomyces antibody, Immunodiffusion will be performed at an additional charge.Method Name
CHIST: Complement Fixation (CF)/Immunodiffusion (ID)
CBLAS: Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Reporting Name
Histoplasma/Blastomyces Ab, CSFSpecimen Type
CSFContainer/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information
Histoplasma:
Histoplasma capsulatum is a soil saprophyte that grows well in soil enriched with bird droppings. The usual disease is self-limited, affects the lungs, and is asymptomatic. Chronic cavitary pulmonary disease, disseminated disease, and meningitis may occur and can be fatal, especially in young children and immunosuppressed patients.
Blastomyces:
The dimorphic fungus, Blastomyces dermatitidis, causes blastomycosis. When the organism is inhaled, it causes pulmonary disease-cough, pain, and hemoptysis, along with fever and night sweats. It commonly spreads to the skin, bone, or internal genitalia where suppuration and granulomas are typical. Occasionally, primary cutaneous lesions after trauma are encountered; however, this type of infection is uncommon. Central nervous system disease is uncommon.
Reference Values
HISTOPLASMA ANTIBODY, SPINAL FLUID
Mycelial by complement fixation: Negative
Yeast by complement fixation: Negative
Antibody by immunodiffusion: Negative
BLASTOMYCES ANTIBODY BY EIA, SPINAL FLUID
Negative
Cautions
Histoplasma:
Antibody levels may be low in spinal fluid in cases of Histoplasma meningitis.
Histoplasmin skin tests yield specific antibodies in titratable quantity, and may cause difficulties in interpretation.
Cross-reacting antibodies with coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis may cause false-positive results for Histoplasmosis.
Blastomyces:
A negative result does not rule out blastomycosis.
Cross-reactivity may occur with other fungal infections such as Aspergillus, Coccidioides, or Histoplasma.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m.
Report Available
3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
Histoplasma Ab, CSF
86698 x 3
Blastomyces Ab, EIA, CSF
86612