Detection of Cryptococcal Antigen in Serum or Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
POWERCHART ORDER – Crypto Ag , Cryptococcal Antigen by LFA
Useful For
- The CrAg LFA is an immunochromatographic test system for the qualitative or semi-quantitative detection of the capsular polysaccharide antigens of Cryptococcus species complex (Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii) in serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
- The CrAg LFA is a prescription-use laboratory assay, which can aid in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis.
Method Name
Lateral Flow Assay (LFA)
Aliases
Crypto Ag,Cryptococcus,Cryptococcal Antigen,Antigen
Specimen Type
- Serum
- Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
Specimen Required
- Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) in a conical CSF collection tube
- Serum one SST/gel for blood
Specimen Minimum Volume
- Serum: 1.0 mL of blood
- CSF: 0.5 mL of spinal fluid
Specimen Stability Information
- For optimal results, sterile non-hemolyzed serum should be used.
- Collect CSF specimens aseptically following accepted procedures.
- If a delay is encountered in specimen processing, storage at 2-8 °C for up to 72 hours is permissible.
- Specimens may be stored for longer periods at < -20 °C, provided they are not repeatedly thawed and refrozen.
- Specimens in transit should be maintained at 2-8 °C or < -20 °C.
Rejected Due To
- Insufficient Volume
- Improper Storage
- Improper Transport
*NOTE* Specimens that do not meet the above criteria will be rejected.
Special Instructions
Exam replaces India Ink prep to screen for Cryptococcus in CSF.
Performing Laboratory
- 7 Days per week
- Day Shift.
- Turn around time is 24 hours.
Reference Values
Negative
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
- Day Shift
- 7 days per week
Specimen Retention Time
30 days