Test ID: SHSTO Histoplasma Antibody, Serum
Reporting Name
Histoplasma Ab, SUseful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of active histoplasmosis using serum specimens
Clinical Information
Histoplasma capsulatum is a soil saprophyte that grows well in soil enriched with bird droppings. The usual disease is self-limited, asymptomatic, and affects the lungs. Chronic cavitary pulmonary disease, disseminated disease, and meningitis may occur and can be fatal, especially in young children and in immunosuppressed patients.
Interpretation
Complement fixation (CF) titer results of 1:32 or higher indicate active disease. A rising CF titer is associated with progressive infection.
Positive immunodiffusion test results supplement findings of the CF test. The simultaneous appearance of both H and M precipitin bands indicates active histoplasmosis. The M precipitin band alone indicates early or chronic disease or a recent histoplasmosis skin test.
Patients infected with Histoplasma capsulatum demonstrate a serum antibody with a rising titer within 6 weeks of infection. A rising titer is associated with progressive infection. Specific antibody persists for a few weeks to a year, regardless of clinical improvement.
Report Available
2 to 7 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Clinical Reference
1. Kaufman L, Kovacs JA, Reiss E: Clinical Immunomycology. In: Rose NR, de Macario ED, Folds JD, Lane HC, Nakamura RM, eds. Manual of Clinical and Laboratory Immunology. 5th ed. ASP Press; 1997
2. Deepe GS: Histoplasma capsulatum histoplasmosis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020:3162-3176
Method Name
Complement Fixation (CF)/Immunodiffusion (ID)
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
MYCELIAL BY COMPLEMENT FIXATION (CF):
Negative (positives reported as titer)
YEAST BY CF:
Negative (positives reported as titer)
ANTIBODY BY IMMUNODIFFUSION:
Negative (positives reported as band present)
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86698 x 3
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
SHSTO | Histoplasma Ab, S | 90227-0 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
15121 | Histoplasma Mycelial | 20573-2 |
15122 | Histoplasma Yeast | 20574-0 |
15123 | Histoplasma Immunodiffusion | 90232-0 |
Testing Algorithm
For information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916) with the specimen.
Special Instructions
mml-immunocompromised