Histoplasma Antibody Immunodiffusion
- Test Information
- Specimen Requirements
- Shipping Information
Test Code
321
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.
Cross Reactivity/False Positive: moderate to low: Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Aspergillus
Turnaround Time
Results Released: 72 hours
*New positives may require confirmationReference Range
- Antibody not detected
- Will report H and M bands
Interpretative Information
- Negative: Antibody not detected
- Positive: Antibody detected
Specimen Collection
- Specimen: Serum
- Uncommon Specimen: CSF, Plasma
Container:
- Serum: Submit serum in a separator or transfer tube..
- CSF/Plasma: Submit CSF/Plasma in a sterile leak-proof container.
Minimum Specimen Requirements
Volume: 0.25 mL
Specimen 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
Overnight-with cold pack.
* New positives may require confirmation.
** Turnaround times are provided as ranges, and may vary depending on daily testing volumes and specimen type.
*** Test set up: Samples received by 10:30AM will have same-day test set up. Positive samples may require confirmation which may extend turnaround time. Serum & CSF specimens are pretreated to improve sensitivity which can add one day to turnaround time.