Antibody Detection

HISTOPLASMA ANTIBODY IMMUNODIFFUSION

  • Test Code

    321

  • CPT Code

    86698

  • Clinical Significance
    • The histoplasma antibody immunodiffusion test is used for the in vitro determination of precipitating antibodies to Histoplasma sp. It is also used as an aid in the diagnosis of Histoplasmosis.
    • This test detects the presence of two significant precipitin bands. Presence of both the H and the M band indicates active histoplasmosis. The presence of the M band alone indicates early or chronic disease. The M band may also be present following a recent histoplasmin skin test.
  • 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
    • Will report H and M bands
  • Interpretative Information
    • Negative: Antibody not detected
    • Positive: Antibody detected
ORDER TESTS
  • vendor logo
  • vendor logo
  • vendor logo
  • vendor logo
  • vendor logo