Test ID SHSTO Histoplasma Antibody, Serum
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
26692Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of active histoplasmosis using serum specimens
Testing Algorithm
For information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Complement Fixation (CF)/Immunodiffusion (ID)
Reporting Name
Histoplasma Ab, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
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, asymptomatic, and affects the lungs. 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 COMPLEMENT FIXATION (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
Report Available
2 to 7 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US 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
86698 x 3