Histoplasma Galactomannan Ag, Serum

Histopaslma Galactomannan Antigen, Serum

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LABXXXX
HISAG

Category

Sendouts

Methodology

Semi-quantitative Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Test Performance Schedule

Monday - Saturday

Result Availability

Up to 7 days

Container

Gold top (SST) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 5.0 mL
Min. Vol.: 1.0 mL

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture
• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times
• Clot 30 minutes
• Promptly centrifuge 15 minutes
• Aliquot serum into screw top plastic transport tube

Transportation Instructions

Ambient

Stability

After separation from cells:
• Room temperature: 7 days
• Refrigerated: 7 days
• Frozen: 30 days

CPT Codes

87385

Effective/Revised

10/6/2022

Histoplasma capsulatumis a pathogenic dimorphic fungus of worldwide distribution endemic to the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys in the United States and to certain regions of Central and South Americas.The definitive diagnosis of histoplasmosis relies on the isolation ofH. capsulatumby culture from clinical specimens.However, culture often requires a two- to four-week incubation period before the identification of the fungus is possibleSerological methods offer rapid alternatives to microbiological techniques; the detection of antibodies toH. capsulatumby immunodiffusion and complement fixation test is often used.However, anti-H. capsulatumantibody titers remain elevated months or even years after successful therapy, and as a result, it may not be possible to differentiate between sub-acute or inactive infections, chronic active forms, and relapses; the latter are particularly frequent among AIDS patients. In addition, false-negative results are often seen, as antibody titers may be low or even absent in immunocompromised patients and those with chronic disseminated disease.A more rational approach to the diagnosis of histoplasmosis and the follow-up of patients may be the detection ofH. capsulatumantigen in body fluids.