Blood: Do not collect in Orange Tube. Allow Gold tube to sit for 30 minutes to form clot. Spin for 10 minutes at 1100-1300 g in a swing bucket unit or 15 minutes in a fixed angle to separate cells from serum. Refrigerate spun tube. Remember to properly label tube with patient name, DOB, test and collect date. CSF: Refrigerate
Storage/Transport Temperature
CSF and serum in transit should be maintained at 2-8°C. Do not store at <=20°C.
Stability (from collection to initiation)
24 hours at Room Temperature; 72 hours at 2-8°C; Freeze C for longer storage
Special Handling
Specimens in transit should be maintained at 2-8°C
IU Health Pathology Lab Processing: For CSF - Send to the microbiology lab immediately
Ordering Recommendations
The Crypto AG test is a qualitative test for the presence of cryptococcal antigen (capsular material) in a patient's blood or spinal fluid. The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis in immunocompromised patients. This test is ordered when there is a suspicion of meningitis, particularly in HIV patients with symptoms of meningitis.
Performed
Monday - Friday; Days
Methodology
Immunochromatographic Assay
Reported
1-3 days
Performing Lab
Serology
Synonyms
10029
Cryptococcal Ag
Cryptococcal Antigen, Blood or CSF
India Ink
Reference Interval
Negative
CPT Codes
86403
LOINC Codes
NAME
LOINC
Result
Crypto Ag
31794-1
Crypto Ag Specimen Type
31208-2
Test Code (Outreach Synonym)
10029
Catalog Code
1838889693
Collection
Collect
Blood, Gold
CSF, CSF Tube
Preferred Draw Volume
Blood 2 mL; CSF 1 mL
Pediatric Collection
2 Microtainers
Collection Comments
Blood: Do not collect in Orange Tube. Allow Gold tube to sit for 30 minutes to form clot. Spin for 10 minutes at 1100-1300 g in a swing bucket unit or 15 minutes in a fixed angle to separate cells from serum. Refrigerate spun tube. Remember to properly label tube with patient name, DOB, test and collect date. CSF: Refrigerate
Storage/Transport Temperature
CSF and serum in transit should be maintained at 2-8°C. Do not store at <=20°C.
Stability (from collection to initiation)
24 hours at Room Temperature; 72 hours at 2-8°C; Freeze C for longer storage
Special Handling
Specimens in transit should be maintained at 2-8°C
IU Health Pathology Lab Processing: For CSF - Send to the microbiology lab immediately
Ordering
Ordering Recommendations
The Crypto AG test is a qualitative test for the presence of cryptococcal antigen (capsular material) in a patient's blood or spinal fluid. The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis in immunocompromised patients. This test is ordered when there is a suspicion of meningitis, particularly in HIV patients with symptoms of meningitis.
