Diagnosis of histoplasmosis based upon detection of antigen
A negative result does not preclude a diagnosis of histoplasmosis. This assay has been documented to cross-react with Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Penicillium marneffei. Positive tests should be confirmed in areas or patient groups where these organisms are endemic or a risk. The following substances may interfere with the assay results: foods that produce color in urine, vaginal cream, caffeine, ascorbic acid, itraconazole, amphotericin B, acetaminophen and acetylsalicylic acid.
Collect specimen aseptically
Transfer a 10 mL urine aliquot to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp), labelled as urine
Refrigerated (preferred) - 14 days
Frozen - 14 days
Ambient - NO
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
See report
Antigen detection may be useful in acute disease, especially in individuals also infected with HIV, who frequently have the disseminated form of histoplasmosis without detectable antibodies to the fungus. In chronic disease, antigen may not be detected due to the low fungal burden. The highest sensitivity for rapidly and accurately diagnosing histoplasmosis in patients with acute pulmonary or disseminated infection can be obtained by testing both urine and serum.