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Order Code PLFA Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Pleural Fluid


Additional Testing Requirements


Pleural fluid testing for cryptococcal antigen should also be submitted for routine fungal culture. Order FGEN / Fungal Culture, Routine.



Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL


Useful For

Diagnosis of infection with Cryptococcus species

Testing Algorithm

If this screen is positive, the antigen titer will be performed at an additional charge.

Method Name

Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)

Reporting Name

Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, PF

Specimen Type

Pleural Fluid

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Pleural Fluid Refrigerated (preferred) 21 days
  Frozen  30 days

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Reference Values

Negative

Method Description

The Cryptococcus antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay is a sandwich immunochromatographic assay. Specimens and diluent are added to a test tube and the lateral flow device is added. The test uses specimen wicking to capture gold-conjugated, anti-cryptococcal antigen monoclonal antibodies and gold-conjugated control antibodies deposited on the test membrane. If cryptococcal antigen is present in the specimen, it binds to the gold-conjugated anti-cryptococcal antigen antibodies. This complex wicks up the membrane and interacts with the test line, which has immobilized anti-cryptococcal antigen monoclonal antibodies. The antigen-antibody complex forms a sandwich at the test line causing a visible line to form. A valid test shows a visible line at the control line. Positive test results create 2 lines (control and specimen), while negative results form only the control line.(Package insert: CrAg Lateral Flow Assay. IMMY; Rev 06/27/2019)

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87899-Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, PF

87899-Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, PF (if appropriate)

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
PLFAT Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, PF No No

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.