Ordering Guidance

Urine is not an acceptable source for this assay. Studies indicate that Histoplasma DNA is not routinely found in the urine of patients with disseminated histoplasmosis. The recommended test for urine specimens is HSTQU / Histoplasma Antigen, Quantitative Enzyme Immunoassay, Random, Urine.

Additional Testing Requirements

This test should always be performed in conjunction with fungal culture; order FGEN / Fungal Culture, Routine.

Shipping Instructions

Specimen must arrive within 7 days of collection; specimens received after 7 days will be rejected.

N-acetyl-l-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH)-digested specimen must arrive within 7 days of digestion.

Necessary Information

Specimen source is required.

Specimen Required

The high sensitivity of amplification by polymerase chain reaction requires the specimen to be processed in an environment in which contamination of the specimen by Histoplasma or Blastomyces species DNA is not likely.

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Specimen Type: Body fluid

Sources: Body, spinal fluid, bone marrow

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Type: Respiratory

Sources:  Bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washing, sputum

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Type: Tissue or bone

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 5-10 mm

Collection Instructions: Collect a fresh tissue or bone specimen.

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: N-acetyl-l-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC/NaOH)-digested respiratory specimens

Sources: Lavage fluid, bronchial washing, gastric washing, respiratory fluid, sputum, or tracheal secretion

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit digested specimen treated with NALC/NaOH.

2. Clearly indicate on container and order form that specimen is a digested specimen.