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Test Code ULFA Cryptococcus Antigen Screen, Lateral Flow Assay, Random, Urine


Specimen Required


Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a random urine specimen.

2. No preservative.


Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of infection with Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii

 

This test should not be used as a test of cure.

 

This test should not be used as a screening procedure for the general population.

Disease States

  • Cryptococcosis

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
ULFAT Cryptococcus Ag Titer, LFA, U No No

Method Name

Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)

Reporting Name

Cryptococcus Ag Screen, LFA, U

Specimen Type

Urine

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Urine Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Turbid; Colored Reject

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

Negative

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 4 days

Performing 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

87899 (if appropriate)

Forms

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