Test Menu Details

Cryptococcus spp. Identification
Updated	4/24/2023 (reviewed 1/30/2025)
Other Names	C. neoformans; C. gattii
How to Order	On the General Microbiology Test Request Form (OHA0060), in the “Miscellaneous Testing” section, check the “Cryptococcus ID” box. If sending a confirmed isolate, please indicate this on the Test Request Form. Selected isolates will be forwarded to CDC for special fungal studies or further characterization.
Availability	All clients
Performed	Daily on regular business days
Time to Reporting	Within 7 working days after receipt of specimen
CPT Code

Specimen Collection Details
Collection	Submit isolate on a slant or on Agar plate supporting growth.
Optimal Volume	N/A
Minimum Volume	N/A
Handling	Tightly seal plates with paraffin wrap. Store specimens at room temperatures (20-25°C) pending transport.
Transport	Package specimens to maintain room temperatures during transport.
Rejection Criteria	Mixed Culture Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).
Comments	Original material submitted for testing is retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory. The OSPHL confirms only C. neoformans and C. gattii isolates and forwards C. gattii isolates to the CDC for further characterization. All other Cryptococcus species will be forwarded to the CDC for additional fungal studies. For addition information or assistance, please contact the OSPHL at 503-693-4100.
Method Details
Methodology	Standard reference procedures for biochemical identification
Performance Specifications	N/A
Change Log
1/30/2025	Reviewed, no changes
4/24/2023	Clarified How to Order; Removed reference to submission of original material; Edited Methodology

Test Menu Details

Cryptococcus spp. Identification

Specimen Collection Details

Method Details

Change Log