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Serum Crag is a test that detects cryptococcal antigen (abbreviated “CrAg”) in blood, an indicator of cryptococcal meningitis infection.

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Blood.

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No specific patient preparation protocol required. Inform the doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before this test.

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[vc_column_text]3 Hours.[/vc_column_text]

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Cryptococcal infection usually presents as meningitis, which is a swelling of the meninges,the tissues that protect the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by C. neoformans which enters the human body via the respiratory tract. Elimination of C. neoformans is through cell mediated immunity, with the participation of neutrophils, macrophages and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In the face of immunodeficiency(HIV infection, pregnancy etc), control of the infection fails, the fungus may then disseminate to the central nervous system or other organs. Definitive diagnosis is confirmed by the culture of specimens, often the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood, and sometimes in respiratory secretions The condition requires hospitalization and treatment with the intravenous (IV) antifungal medication amphotericin B.

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