Cryptococcus antigen (CSF)

About This Test

Department: Virology and Molecular Microbiology

Requirement:

CSF and/or EDTA blood, Sterile container (CSF) Purple top (blood), Testing on CSF may be performed in house as part of multiplex PCR assay

Turnaround Time:

3-5 days

PCR for the detection of Cryptococcus DNA in CSF or blood

Other Comments:

If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature. Delays of over 48 hours are undesirable

Measurement units: Not applicable
Clinical decision points: Not applicable
Factors known to significantly affect results: Haemolysis
Reference Lab: Manchester Medical Microbiology for EDTA, CSFs processed in-house