Home
HelpTest ID: HBRP Histoplasma capsulatum/Blastomyces species, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
Reporting Name
Histoplasma/Blastomyces PCRUseful For
Rapid detection of Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA
Aiding in the rapid diagnosis of histoplasmosis and blastomycosis
Clinical Information
Infections with Blastomyces dermatitidis and Histoplasma capsulatum cause a variety of clinical manifestations ranging from self-limited, mild pulmonary illness to potentially life-threatening, disseminated disease. Primary infections are acquired through inhalation of conidia that are present in the environment. In the United States, most cases of blastomycosis and histoplasmosis occur along the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, although recent studies suggest the geographic area of endemicity may be expanding.
The gold standard for diagnosis of blastomycosis and histoplasmosis remains isolation of the organisms in culture. Although sensitive, recovery in culture and subsequent identification may require days to weeks. This polymerase chain reaction assay can provide rapid and specific detection and differentiation of B dermatitidis/gilchristii and H capsulatum directly from clinical specimens.
Interpretation
A positive result for Histoplasma capsulatum indicates presence of Histoplasma DNA; a positive result for Blastomyces dermatitidis/gilchristii indicates presence of Blastomyces DNA.
A negative result indicates absence of detectable H capsulatum and B dermatitidis/gilchristii DNA. Fungal culture has increased sensitivity over this polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and should always be performed when the PCR is negative.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Clinical Reference
1.Wheat LJ, Azar MM, Bahr NC, Spec A, Relich RF, Hage C: Histoplasmosis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2016 Mar;30(1):207-227. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2015.10.009
2.Azar MM, Loyd JL, Relich RF, Wheat LJ, Hage CA: Current concepts in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of Histoplasmosis syndromes. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2020 Feb;41(1):13-30. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1698429
3.Linder KA, Kauffman CA, Miceli MH: Blastomycosis: A review of mycological and clinical aspects. J Fungi (Basel). 2023 Jan 14;9(1):117. doi: 10.3390/jof9010117
4.Smith DJ, Williams SL; Endemic Mycoses State Partners Group; Benedict KM, Jackson BR, Toda M: Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, Histoplasmosis, and Blastomycosis - United States, 2019. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2022 Aug 19;71(7):1-14. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.ss7107a1
Method Name
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Specimen Type
VariesOrdering Guidance
Urine is not an acceptable source for this assay. Studies indicate that Histoplasma DNA is not routinely found in the urine of patients with disseminated histoplasmosis. The recommended test for urine specimens is UHBAG / Histoplasma and Blastomyces Antigen, Enzyme Immunoassay, Urine.
Additional Testing Requirements
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection; specimens received after 7 days will be rejected.
N-acetyl-l-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH)-digested specimen must arrive within 7 days of digestion.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Histoplasma or Blastomyces species DNA is not likely.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Body fluid
Sources: Body, spinal fluid, bone marrow
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Respiratory
Sources: Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, sputum
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Type: Tissue or bone
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 5-10 mm
Collection Instructions: Collect a fresh tissue or bone specimen.
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: N-acetyl-l-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH)-digested respiratory specimens
Sources: Lavage fluid, bronchial washing, gastric washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit digested specimen treated with NALC/NaOH.
2. Clearly indicate on container and order form that specimen is a digested specimen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Body fluid or respiratory specimen: 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Ambient | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 7 days |
Reference Values
Not applicable
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
87798 x 2
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HBRP | Histoplasma/Blastomyces PCR | 81653-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRC78 | Histo/Blasto Source | 31208-2 |
| 32457 | Histo/Blasto Result | 81653-8 |
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Special Instructions
mml-immunocompromised, mml-mbid-cnsinfections, mml-respiratoryinfections