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Test ID SHSTO Histoplasma Antibody, Serum

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of active histoplasmosis

Method Name

Complement Fixation (CF)/Immunodiffusion

Reporting Name

Histoplasma Ab, S

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Clinical Information

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 in immunosuppressed patients.

Reference Values

Mycelial by CF: negative (positives reported as titer)

Yeast by CF: negative (positives reported as titer)

Antibody by immunodiffusion: negative (positives reported as band present)

Cautions

Recent histoplasmosis skin tests must be avoided because the test causes a misleading rise in complement fixation titer, as well as an M precipitin band, in approximately 17% of patients having previous exposure to Histoplasma capsulatum.

 

Cross-reacting antibodies sometimes present interpretive problems in patients having blastomycosis or coccidioidomycosis.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m.

Report Available

2 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test uses a standard method. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

86698 x 3

NY State Approved

Yes