BLASTOMYCES ANTIBODY IMMUNODIFFUSION

• Test Code

  322

• CPT Code

  86612

• Clinical Significance

  The blastomyces antibody immunodiffusion test is used for the in vitro determination of precipitating antibodies to Blastomyces dermatitidis. It is also used as an aid in the diagnosis of Blastomycosis.

• Methodology

  Fungal Immunodiffusion

• Limitations

  The result is not intended to be used as the sole means for clinical diagnosis or patient management decisions.

  • Negative serologic tests may be observed among culturally demonstrable cases, which limits the predictive value of a negative test.
  • Negative serologic results obtained during the first month may warrant repeat testing.
  • Falsely negative results may be obtained when testing immunocompromised patients.
  • Test results cannot be used solely to distinguish between active infection and prior exposure.
• Specimen Collection

  Serum: Collect serum specimens in serum separator or red top tube. Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes, then centrifuge. Pipette serum into a plastic screw cap vial.

• Minimum Specimen Requirements

  Serum: 0.25 mL per antibody

• Specimen Stability
  • Refrigerated: 14 days
  • Frozen: 6 months
• Specimen Rejection

  Any specimen types other than serum.

• Transport Temperature

  Refrigerated/Frozen

• Shipping

  Ship on dry ice to arrive Monday‐Friday using a next day delivery service. Frozen ice packs may be substituted if sample is shipped the day of collection.

• Turnaround Time

  Testing performed Tuesdays and Fridays.

  Serum: TAT 3 days from setup

• Reference Range

  Antibody not detected

• Interpretative Information
  • Negative: Antibody not detected
  • Positive: Antibody detected