Additional Info: False-negatives may occur in patients with solitary pulmonary lesions. Patients with active histoplasmosis may generate cross reactions. Elevated serum antibodies may be present in patients with meningeal coccidiocomycosis.
Useful For: Antibodies against the Coccidiodes immitis “F” antigen, usually positive within 4 weeks of infection, indicate active or recent (up to one year) infection. The “TP” antigen is usually positive within 1 week of infection and reverts to non-detectable within a few months.
Methodology: Immunodiffusion
Specimen Requirements:
1 yellow-top SST tube (minimum: 0.1 mL of serum). Centrifuge SST 30 minutes after draw. Refrigerate specimen after collection.
Analytical Time: 4 days
Days Set Up: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
CPT Information:
86635 –