Test Detail

Histoplasma Antibody, Immunodiffusion

Reflex Test(s)
Test Description		Contact: Serology (319) 335-4291 Test Request Form: Serology/Immunology SHL OpenELIS Code: 629
Detection of Histoplasma specific antibodies to determine active and/or past infection
Samples with positive identification for Histoplasma specific antibodies will be forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for complement fixation testing. The test will be listed as "Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous".
Performed	Avg. Turnaround Time	Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F	5 - 7 business days	Immunodiffusion
Fee	CPT Code(s)
$24.93	86698
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:	Minimum 1 mL Serum
Collection Instructions:	Allow blood samples to clot at room temperature prior to centrifugation. Aseptically transfer serum to a tightly closing sterile container for storage. Red Top Tube: centrifuge and transfer serum to a secondary tube Serum Separator Tube: collect 4 - 6 mL and centrifuge
Temperature and Stability:	Refrigerate (2-8 degrees C); stable for up to 72 hours. Freeze (-20 degrees C); stable for more than 72 hours.
Unacceptable Conditions:	Plasma, CSF. Grossly hemolyzed or lipemic samples as well as samples containing particulate matter or exhibiting obvious microbial contamination should not be tested..
Expected Results:
Negative, H band, M band, H and M bands
Shipping:
Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport specimen with cold pack. Ship to the Coralville location.
Comments
The presence of H and M bands is presumptive evidence of active infection. An M band alone may indicate active or inactive disease or may result from a recent skin test with histoplasmin. The sera of about 70% of patients with proven histoplasmosis contain the M band, whereas only 1% demonstrate both H and M bands. If positive, then complement fixation is the confirmatory assay.
Alternate Names
Histoplasma precipitin