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 72 hours from setup
Reference Range

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