Laboratory Test Guide

Cysticercosis Antibody, CSF (Sendout)

General Information

Lab Name

Cysticercosis IgG Antibody, CSF (Sendout)

Lab Code

RCCYSC

Epic Name

Cysticercosis IgG Antibody, CSF (Sendout)

External Test Id

FCAEC

Description

Clinical Information: Cysticercosis is caused by infection with the larval form (cysticercus) of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. A negative test result does not exclude the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, particularly if only a single brain lesion is present. Test sensitivity increases from 50% or less for a solitary brain cyst to greater than 90% if 3 or more cysts are present. Antibodies from other parasitic infection, particularly results by the cysticercus IgG antibody Western blot is thus recommended.

Synonyms

Cysticercus Antibody CSF, Cysticercus IgG Antibody CSF, FCAEC, Taenia solium Antibody CSF

Components

Code	Name
RCCYS	Cysticercosis IgG Antibody, CSF

Interpretation

Method

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Reference Range

See individual components

Ref. Range Notes

Interpretive Criteria:

<0.75	Antibody Not Detected
> or = 0.75	Antibody Detected

Interferences and Limitations

Diagnosis of central nervous system infections can be accomplished by demonstrating the presence of intrathecally-produced specific antibody. Interpretation of results may be complicated by low antibody levels found in CSF, passive transfer of antibody from blood, and contamination via bloody taps. Antibodies to other parasitic infections, particularly echinococcosis, may crossreact in the cysticercus IgG ELISA. Confirmation of positive ELISA results by the cysticercus IgG antibody Western blot is thus recommended.

Guidelines

Washington DOH Notifiable Conditions

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

CSF, Cerebrospinal Fluid

Collection

Collect 1 mL spinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile container.

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Refrigerate 1 mL CSF in a sterile, screw-cap vial.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 30 days; Ambient: 7 days.

Quantity

requested: 1 mL CSF
minimum: 0.1 mL CSF

Processing

Refrigerate 1 mL CSF in a sterile, screw-cap vial.

Sendouts:

Order Mayo Test: FCAEC.
Interfaced: Yes.