Histoplasma/Blastomyces Antigen, Serum

Tube Type

Test ID		LAB909
EPIC ORDER		HISTOPLASMA/BLASTOMYCES Antigen, Serum
CPT Code(s)		87449
Group/Individual Test		Group
Laboratory		Core Referral Testing
Tube Station		30
Specimen	Routine:	6 mL blood/Gold SST tube/Red plain tube also acceptable
	Micro:	3.6 mL blood
Availability	Routine:	Reference Laboratory - Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Turnaround Time		5-10 Days
Reference Range	Normal:	See separate report
Comment	Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces spp. antigens are both detected, but not differentiated, by this test. Serial antigen levels can be monitored for treatment response after initiation of anti-fungal therapy. Histoplasma/Blastomyces Serum Antigen is available as an alternative to urine antigen for anuric patients. This should be combined with the Histoplasma Ab test. In all other cases, urinary antigen has higher sensitivity and is preferred. Combination Histo/Blasto Urine Antigen and Serum Antigen testing should be considered as an alternative to antibody/antigen testing for patients who are significantly immunocompromised and unlikely to mount an antibody response. This alternative approach should be discussed with an Infectious Diseases expert.

Reviewed by J. Carr on November 12, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514