Cryptococcus Antigen, Serum

Description

Cryptococcus Antigen, Serum is a blood test that detects the presence of Cryptococcus fungus in the bloodstream. This test is used to screen for systemic cryptococcal infections, which can affect various parts of the body. It’s particularly important for diagnosing disseminated cryptococcosis, a condition where the fungus has spread throughout the body. Like the CSF test, it’s crucial for immunocompromised patients. A positive result in serum can indicate a widespread infection, even if the central nervous system isn’t involved. This test is often used in conjunction with the CSF test for a comprehensive evaluation of cryptococcal infections.