Test Overview
Test Methodology

The assay is based upon a modification of the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) pathway. The key assay reagent is modified to eliminate Factor C, and is therefore specific for (1,3)-beta-D-glucan.

Test Usage

The Fungitell beta-D Glucan assay is indicated for the presumptive diagnosis of invasive fungal disease through detection of elevated levels of (1,3)-beta-D glucan in serum. The Fungitell assay detects (1,3)-beta-Dglucan from the following pathogens: Candida spp., Acremonium, Aspergillus spp., Coccidioides immitis, Fusarium spp., Histoplasma capsulatum, Trichosporon spp., Sporothrix schenckii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Pneumocystis jiroveci.

Reference Range *

Negative: Less than 60 pg/mL. Indeterminate: 60 - 79 pg/mL. Positive: Greater than or equal to 80 pg/mL.

Test Limitations

The Fungitell assay does not detect certain fungal species such as the genus Cryptococcus, which produces very low levels of (1,3)-beta-D glucan, nor the Zygomycetes, such as Absidia, Mucor, and Rhizopus, which are not known to produce (1,3)-beta-D glucan. Studies indicate Blastomyces dermatitidis is usually not detected due to little (1,3)-beta-D glucan produced in the yeast phase.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Saturday
Analytic Time

2 - 4 days

Soft Order Code
VFNS
MiChart Code
Fungitell B-D-Glucan
Synonyms
  • 1,3 beta D glucan
  • Fungitell beta-D Glucan assay
  • VFNGS
  • VFNGF
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Viracor Eurofins 1700
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect specimen in an SST tube. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection to pellet cells below the gel and freeze unopened tube.

Special Handling

Freeze unopened tube after centrifugation. Do not aliquot.

Rejection Criteria
Lipemic, icteric, or hemolyzed specimens, or specimens strored at room temperature are not acceptable.
Yellow Top Tube
Normal Volume
3 mL serum, in unopened SST tube
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL serum, in unopened SST tube
Additional Information

If the test result is greater than 500 pg/mL, a titer (VRFNG) will be performed at an additional charge. By ordering this test the clinician acknowledges that additional reflex testing will be performed and billed at a separate additional charge if indicated. Test sent to Viracor Eurofins.

Billing
CPT Code
87449
Fee Code
AA238
Reflex CPT
87449
Reflex Fee Code
AA238
NY State Approved
No