Cryptococcus antigen

Patient Preparation

For general aspects of taking samples we recommend that users follow either their local protocols or “The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures”.

Red top blood (serum) samples

• Sufficient blood for the test should be drawn into red topped (no additive) vacuum tubes.

CSF samples for microbiology/virology

• Collect specimens preferably before antimicrobial therapy is started, but this must not be delayed unnecessarily pending lumbar puncture and CSF culture.
• CSF is normally collected sequentially into three or more separate containers which should be clearly numbered consecutively on the sample pots (i.e. 1, 2 and 3).
• In adults, we recommend sending samples 1 and 3 for microbiology and sample 2 for biochemistry (protein).
• Ideally a minimum volume of 1mL is needed for each tube but when sample volume is below this it is possible to pool samples.
• For culture for Mycobacterium species (including TB), at least 10mL is preferred where possible as the larger the volume, the greater the culture yield.