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HelpTest ID ULFAT Cryptococcus Antigen Titer, Lateral Flow Assay, Urine
Specimen Required
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see ULFA / Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Random, Urine.
Secondary ID
604369Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of infection with Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii
This test should not be used as a test of cure.
Method Name
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see ULFA / Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Random, Urine.
Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)
Reporting Name
Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, USpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information
Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii. 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. While the majority of C neoformans infections occur in immunocompromised patient populations, C gattii has a predilection for infection of healthy individuals.
In addition to the lungs, cryptococcal infections frequently involve the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in HIV-infected patients. Mortality associated with CNS cryptococcosis approaches 25% despite antifungal therapy, while untreated CNS cryptococcosis is invariably fatal. Disseminated disease may affect any organ system and usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals.
Reference Values
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see ULFA / Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Random, Urine.
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 cryptococcal infection.
A positive result is suggestive of cryptococcosis; however, all test results should be interpreted in light of other clinical findings.
Although rare, extremely high concentrations of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) can result in weak-positive or false-negative results.
Patients with trichosporonosis or Capnocytophaga species infection may yield false-positive results.
If followed for clinical purposes, CrAg titers should be followed using the same assay.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic 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. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87899