Description
Why It’s Done:
This test is done to:
• Diagnose cryptococcal infections (such as cryptococcal meningitis or pulmonary cryptococcosis) quickly and accurately.
• Detect the infection in patients who are immunocompromised, especially those with:
o HIV/AIDS
o Organ transplants
o Cancer
o Prolonged steroid use
• Confirm infection when other tests (e.g., culture, antigen detection, India ink) are inconclusive.
• Monitor the presence of fungal DNA during or after treatment.
Common symptoms that lead to testing include:
• Persistent headache
• Fever
• Neck stiffness
• Mental confusion
• Respiratory symptoms (cough, chest pain, shortness of breath)
• Neurological changes (e.g., seizures or altered consciousness)
Preparation:
• No special preparation is typically needed.
• The sample required depends on the suspected infection site:
o CSF via lumbar puncture (if CNS infection is suspected)
o Blood draw
o Respiratory sample via sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage
• Inform your doctor if you are on antifungal medications, as they may affect the fungal load and test sensitivity.
• If undergoing a lumbar puncture, you may be asked to lie flat afterward to reduce post-procedure headaches.
