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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGEN, CSF

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2108    Geisinger Epic ID:  46335

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

CSF


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

2 mL CSF in sterile screw-cap tube; minimum 1 mL


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

A fungus culture must also be performed in conjunction with this test. This applies to Geisinger Health Care System patients only.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature. If a significant delay is expected, refrigerate at 2-8ºC.


Specimen stability: 

Stable 72 hours refrigerated at 2-8ºC.


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Insufficient volume for testing.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

Negative for Cryptococcal Antigen


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Positive for Cryptococcal Antigen
CPT code(s):  87899
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Direct detection of cryptococcal antigen in CSF


Methodology: 
Immunochromographic Lateral Flow
Synonyms: 

Cryptococcus, fungus, India ink, yeast, CAGCSF


Clinical significance: 

A positive test result from a CSF specimen is indicative of active cryptococcal CNS infection


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Raquel Martinez, PhD, D(ABMM)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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