Specimen type |
Cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination test |
|
|
| Optimal time of specimen collection |
Collection is not time dependent. On suspicion of cryptococcosis |
Correct specimen type and method of collection |
CSF by lumbar puncture, serum, urine and BAL |
Quantity and number of specimens |
Minimum 500 ml CSF. Other specimen types variable. With appropriate controls, a positive test is indicative of infection. Perform repeat lumbar puncture after 2 weeks of treatment. Repeated testing can be used to monitor response to treatment, monitor for duration of treatment course, especially in HIV-positive patients. |
Laboratory analysis |
Latex agglutination test for cryptococcal antigen |
Transport |
As per Microbiology guidelines |
Indicative cost per sample |
£31.60 |
