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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGEN, SERUM

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2109    Geisinger Epic ID:  46334

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

5 mL blood in red-top plain (non-serum separator) tube; minimum 2mL


Special notes: 

Check expiration date on transport device before use. Serum separator tubes are NOT acceptable.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Serum must be centrifuged and aliquotted if testing is delayed.


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: 

Serum separator tube; improperly labeled/identified specimens; expired transport device used; grossly contaminated 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 serum


Methodology: 
Immunochromographic Lateral Flow
Synonyms: 

Cryptococcus, fungus, yeast, India ink, CAGSER


Clinical significance: 

A positive serum cryptococcal antigen test result is indicative of active cryptococcal infection


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

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