Coccidioides Antibody Immunodiffusion

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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.

Fungal Immunodiffusion

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

Testing is performed Tuesday & Friday.

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

• Antibody not detected
• Will report F and TP specific

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

• 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:  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

Any specimen types other than serum, CSF, plasma

Refrigerated/Frozen

Ship overnight with a cold pack.