Home
HelpTest ID SHSTO Histoplasma Antibody, Serum
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of active histoplasmosis
Method Name
Complement Fixation (CF)/Immunodiffusion
Reporting Name
Histoplasma Ab, SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/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 daysPerforming 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