Thermo Scientific™ Remel™ Cryptococcus Antigen Test Kit, 50 Tests

The Thermo Scientific™ Cryptococcus Antigen Test Kit is a rapid, sensitive diagnostic tool designed for the detection of Cryptococcus neoformans capsular polysaccharide antigens in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cryptococcosis, caused by the yeast C. neoformans, is a systemic fungal infection that often affects immunocompromised individuals, with a strong predilection for central nervous system tissues. This latex agglutination test provides reliable and rapid results to support early detection and treatment monitoring.

Key Features:

1. Rapid Results:
   • Results are available within 5 minutes, enabling timely clinical decisions.
2. Sensitive and Accurate:
   • Incorporates latex particles sensitized with murine IgM monoclonal antibodies for high specificity and sensitivity.
3. Semi-Quantitative Testing:
   • Detects antigen titers, with results reflecting disease progression or treatment response.
4. Reduced False Positives:
   • Serum treated with protease to eliminate rheumatoid factor interference, ensuring specificity without the need for a companion control test.
5. Easy-to-Interpret Results:
   • Positive Result: Visible agglutination or clumping.
   • Negative Result: No visible agglutination.

Kit Components:

• Test Latex: Latex particles sensitized with murine IgM monoclonal antibodies.
• Controls: Positive control, negative control, and low positive control.
• Protease Tablet: For serum sample preparation.
• Diluent: 10x specimen diluent for preparing samples.
• Accessories: Reaction cards and dispensing pipette.

Specifications:

Applications:

1. Early Detection of Cryptococcosis:
   • Detect Cryptococcus neoformans antigens in serum and CSF for rapid diagnosis.
2. Disease Monitoring:
   • Track disease progression or therapeutic response using antigen titers.
3. Neurological Disease Diagnosis:
   • Essential for diagnosing cryptococcal meningitis by detecting antigens directly in CSF samples.

How It Works:

1. Sample Preparation:
   • Prepare serum or CSF samples, treating serum with the protease tablet provided.
2. Test Procedure:
   • Add sample to the reaction card containing sensitized latex particles.
   • Rotate for 5 minutes.
3. Result Interpretation:
   • Positive: Agglutination or clumping visible.
   • Negative: No agglutination or clumping.
4. Titer Determination:
   • Perform serial dilutions to calculate the last dilution with a positive result (agglutination).

Key Benefits:

1. Fast and Reliable:
   • Results in minutes, facilitating early detection and intervention.
2. High Sensitivity:
   • Detects polysaccharide antigens associated with Cryptococcus neoformans infections accurately.
3. Reduces False Positives:
   • Protease treatment eliminates rheumatoid factor interference, ensuring specificity.
4. Simple Workflow:
   • Includes all necessary reagents and controls for straightforward operation.
5. Diagnostic and Prognostic Value:
   • Semi-quantitative titers reflect disease progression or improvement during therapy.

References:

1. Bloomfield, N. Detection of Cryptococcal Polysaccharide (CPS) Antigens. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 1989; 8:457-465.
2. Kaufman, L., and Blumer, S. Rheumatoid Factor Interference in CPS Detection. Proc. Int. Conf. Mycoses. Pan Am. Health Org. 1977; 356:176-182.
3. Asznowicz, R., Newton-John, H., and Kaldor, J. Improved CPS Antigen Detection in Cryptococcosis. Med. J. Aust. 1979; 1:347-349.
4. Stockman, L., and Roberts, G.D. Protease Treatment for Enhanced Specificity in Antigen Detection. J. Clin. Microbiol. 1983; 17:945-947.
5. Gray, L.D., and Roberts, G.D. Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in Cryptococcus Detection. J. Clin. Microbiol. 1988; 26:2450-2451.
6. Hamilton, J.R., et al. Diagnostic and Prognostic Use of Antigen Titers. J. Clin. Microbiol. 1991; 29:333-339.

Storage and Handling:

• Store at 2°C to 8°C to maintain reagent stability.
• Avoid freezing the kit or any components.

For Research Use Only:

This product is intended for research purposes only and is not approved for diagnostic or therapeutic use.