title: False-positive reactions in the latex agglutination test for Cryptococcus neoformans antigen.
abstract: The latex agglutination test for Cryptococcus neoformans antigen is a simple and rapid procedure for the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis. Although the test is sensitive, care must be taken to prevent contamination of the sample, which may result in false-positive reactions. It was discovered in our laboratory that immersion of a platinum wire inoculating loop into a sample of cerebrospinal fluid prior to testing introduced interfering substances leading to nonspecific agglutination. After further studies, it was determined that trace amounts of surface condensation (syneresis fluid) from agar, either added to the cerebrospinal fluid or adhering to the loop, were the probable source of contamination. It is suggested that the latex agglutination test for C. neoformans antigen be performed prior to culture or on a separate sample.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket 02860.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Heelan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Corpus
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kessimian
mesh_terms: D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000946:Antigens, Fungal