Cryptococcosis laboratory tests

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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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
• Cryptococcal antigen test (looks for a certain molecule that the Cryptococcus fungus can shed into the blood)