Sign in →

Test Code LAB3331 1,3-Beta-D-Glucan (Fungitell), Serum


Specimen Required


Container/Tube: Serum gel (red top tube is not acceptable)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere to prevent environmental contamination of the sample.

2. Centrifuge and send entire specimen in original collection tube. Do not aliquot or open tube.


Secondary ID

604094

Useful For

Aiding in the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections caused by various fungi, including Aspergillus species, Fusarium species, Candida species, and Pneumocystis jirovecii, among others

Method Name

Protease Zymogen-Based Colorimetric Assay

Reporting Name

(1, 3) Beta-D-Glucan (Fungitell), S

Specimen Type

Serum SST

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum SST Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days SERUM GEL TUBE
  Frozen  30 days SERUM GEL TUBE

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject
Finger/heel sticks Reject

Reference Values

Fungitell quantitative value:

<60 pg/mL

 

Fungitell qualitative result:

Negative

 

Reference values apply to all ages.

Cautions

(1, 3)-Beta-D-glucan (BDG) is not present in the Mucorales (eg, Lichtheimia, Mucor, Rhizopus), Cryptococcus species, or Blastomyces species. Therefore, invasive fungal infection with any of these agents will lead to a negative BDG result.

 

BDG results should be interpreted alongside other diagnostic testing results, including culture, molecular assays, or serology.

 

False-positive BDG results have been documented in patients having undergone recent hemodialysis, those that have received certain fractionated blood products (eg, albumin, immunoglobulins), and those who have had exposure to high amounts of glucan-containing gauze during surgery. BDG levels normalize approximately 3 to 4 days following these events.

 

Single time-point testing with the BDG assay is associated with limited clinical sensitivity and specificity. Serial testing, at least 2 times per week, is associated with higher diagnostic odds ratio (DOR 112) for the presence of an invasive fungal infection in an at-risk patient compared to single time-point positive result (DOR 16).

 

The BDG assay does not identify or indicate the presence of a specific fungal organism.

 

Serial testing to document BDG levels may be used to monitor disease progression and response to therapy; however, data on the clinical utility and accuracy of this practice is limited.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday, Sunday

Report Available

1 to 2 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87449

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
SFUNG (1, 3) Beta-D-Glucan (Fungitell), S 42176-8

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
603615 Fungitell Quantitative Value 42176-8
603616 Fungitell Qualitative Result 93812-6

NY State Approved

Yes

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-General Request (T239)

-Microbiology Test Request (T244)