Cryptococcosis laboratory tests: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
==Laboratory Findings== | |||
Detection of cryptococcal [[antigen]] (capsular material) by [[Microbiological culture|culture]] of [[Cerebrospinal fluid|CSF]], [[sputum]] and [[urine]] provides definitive diagnosis. Blood cultures may be positive in heavy infections. | Detection of cryptococcal [[antigen]] (capsular material) by [[Microbiological culture|culture]] of [[Cerebrospinal fluid|CSF]], [[sputum]] and [[urine]] provides definitive diagnosis. Blood cultures may be positive in heavy infections. | ||
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* Chest x-ray | * Chest x-ray | ||
* Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that the Cryptococcus fungus can shed into the blood) | * Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that the Cryptococcus fungus can shed into the blood) | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 13:47, 24 September 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Laboratory Findings
Detection of cryptococcal antigen (capsular material) by culture of CSF, sputum and urine provides definitive diagnosis. Blood cultures may be positive in heavy infections.
Tests that may be done include:
- Blood culture
- CT scan of the head
- Sputum culture and stain
- Lung biopsy
- Bronchoscopy
- Spinal tap to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and other tests to check for signs of infection
- Chest x-ray
- Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that the Cryptococcus fungus can shed into the blood)