COCCIDIOIDES ANTIBODY IMMUNODIFFUSION
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Test Code
320
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CPT Code
86635 x2
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Clinical Significance
The coccidioides antibody immunodiffusion test is used for the in vitro determination of precipitating antibodies to Coccidioides TP and F antigens. It is also used as an aid in the diagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis.
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Methodology
Fungal Immunodiffusion
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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.
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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.
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Minimum Specimen Requirements
Serum: 0.25 mL per antibody
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Specimen Stability
- Refrigerated: 14 days
- Frozen: 6 months
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Specimen Rejection
Any specimen types other than serum.
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Transport Temperature
Refrigerated/Frozen
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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.
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Turnaround Time
Testing performed Tuesdays and Fridays.
Serum: TAT 3 days from setup
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Reference Range
- Antibody not detected
- Will report F and TP specific
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Interpretative Information
- Negative: Antibody not detected
- Positive: Antibody detected, will report titer up to ≥1:128
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Additional Information
- Antibodies to the TP antigen are typically detectable within 4 weeks of primary onset of infection,but are rarely detected 6 months after infection. The presence of antibodies to the TP antigen may suggest recent or active infection.
- Antibodies to the F antigen are typically detectable by 6 weeks after the primary onset of the infection and may persist for several months to years.
