Coccidioides Antibody Immunodiffusion

• Test Information
• Specimen Requirements
• Shipping Information

• Test Code +

  320

  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 used as an aid in the diagnosis of Coccidioidomycosis.

  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.

  Cross Reactivity/False Positive: Moderate to Low: Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Aspergillus

  Turnaround Time +

  Testing is performed Tuesday & Friday.

  Results released: Positive: 24 hours; Negative: 72 hours

  Reference Range +

  • Antibody not detected
  • Will report F and TP specific

  Interpretative Information +

  Negative: Antibody not detected
  Positive: Antibody detected, will report titer up to ≥1:128

  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.

• Specimen Collection +

  Specimen:  Serum, CSF*, Plasma*
  *Uncommon specimen includes incomplete validation. A ’rare specimen’ note will appear on the final report.

  Container:
  Serum: Collect serum specimens in serum separator tube. Allow blood to clot for 30 minutes, then centrifuge. Send serum in serum separator tube or transfer tube.
  CSF, Plasma: Separator or transfer tube
  Volume:  0.25 mL
  Stability:  Room temperature = 28 days, Refrigerated = 6 months, Frozen = indefinite

  Specimen Rejection +

  Any specimen types other than serum, CSF, plasma

• Transport Temperature +

  Refrigerated/Frozen

  Shipping +

  Ship overnight with a cold pack.