Cryptococcus Antigen Test

Cryptococcus Antigen

Microbiology

CRYPTO

Cerebral Spinal Fluid

Sterile CSF conical tubes

• Tube 1- Chemistry
• Tube 2- Cytology
• Tube 3- Microbiology  (Microbiology is x4 tubes collected)
• Tube 4- Hematology

The last tube collected will be processed for the cell count

Lumbar Puncture

Clean the puncture site with antiseptic solution and alcohol before needle insertion. Insert a needle with stylet at the L3-L4, L4-L5 or L5-LS interspace. When subarachnoid space is reached, remove stylet and spinal fluid will appear in the needle hub. Slowly drain CSF into sterile tubes.

Shunt Fluid

Clean the reservoir site with antiseptic solution and alcohol. Collect fluid through the reservoir unit and place it in a sterile tube.
Indicate method of collection on requisition.

Suggested Volumes:

• Routine Culture (C&S) - 2 mL
• Cryptococcus Antigen- 1 mL
• Fungus Culture - 2 mL
• Mycobacterium Culture - 2 mL
• Virus Culture - 2 mL

Monday - Friday

Always send the most turbid tube to Microbiology.

Specimen description and total quantity will be recorded for the CSF

The supernatant/extra specimen will be frozen in the -70'C freezer for approximately 6 months.

The specimen should be delivered to the laboratory STAT, with no delay and should not be transported through the automated delivery system.

If after hours and no call-back is initiated the specimen should be stored at room temperature in the STAT container.

if sufficient specimen either the supernatant or any extra containers can be stored in STAT container in the refrigerator.

Serum- store in the refrigerator

CSF for culture is never to be stored in the refrigerator.

Off site, Referral Laboratory