What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like persistent headache, confusion, fever, or breathing problems, especially if you have a weakened immune system. It checks for a fungal infection called Cryptococcus, which can affect the lungs and, in more serious cases, spread to the brain and spinal cord. It's often used when someone with a compromised immune system shows signs that could point to a fungal infection needing quick attention.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If your result is positive, the report will walk you through what a reflex titer means and why it's used to check how much of the fungal marker is present. Because this condition can be serious, especially for people with weakened immune systems, a positive or unclear result should prompt you to seek medical care right away. You can download a standard lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track results if you're retested in the future.

Who should consider this test?

People with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or anyone on long-term immune-suppressing medication, are the main group who should consider this test. It's also useful if you've had unexplained respiratory symptoms or neurological symptoms like headaches and confusion that don't have an obvious cause. Anyone who has been in an environment with high exposure to soil or bird droppings, where the fungus is commonly found, might also want to get checked.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like a lingering cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath that doesn't go away, which could point to a lung infection. If the infection spreads, you might notice headaches, stiff neck, confusion, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light, all of which suggest possible involvement of the brain or spinal cord. Fever and general fatigue that doesn't improve are also common warning signs worth checking out.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days after your sample is processed at the lab. You'll get a notification once they're available, and you can log into your account to view the full report. If your initial screen is positive, the automatic reflex titer step may add a little extra time before your final result is complete.

What is Cryptococcus and why does it matter?

Cryptococcus is a type of yeast found in soil, especially soil contaminated with bird droppings, that people can breathe in without knowing it. In most healthy people, the immune system handles it without any problem, but in someone with a weakened immune system, it can cause a serious lung infection or spread to the brain and spinal cord. Catching it early matters because treatment works much better before the infection has a chance to spread.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the test found cryptococcal antigen in your blood, which suggests an active fungal infection somewhere in your body. The reflex titer that follows helps show how much antigen is present, giving a rough idea of how significant the infection might be. Because this can become serious quickly, especially in someone with a weakened immune system, a positive result calls for prompt medical attention rather than waiting it out.

What causes a Cryptococcus infection?

Infection usually starts when someone breathes in the yeast from contaminated soil or dried bird droppings, particularly from pigeons. Most people with healthy immune systems never even notice they were exposed because their body fights it off. The real risk comes when the immune system is already weakened, whether from HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplant medications, or other conditions, which lets the fungus grow and spread more easily.

How often should I retest?

If you have an ongoing immune-compromising condition, retesting frequency really depends on your specific health situation and whether you've been treated for a prior infection. Generally, if you're being monitored after treatment, repeat testing every few months can help confirm the infection is clearing. If you're at ongoing risk due to your immune status, checking in whenever new symptoms appear is a reasonable approach.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result comes back positive, seek medical care as soon as possible, since this infection can become serious if it isn't addressed quickly, especially if it has spread beyond the lungs. In the meantime, avoid activities that expose you to soil or bird droppings, and keep track of any new symptoms like headaches or vision changes. Use the trends feature in your account if you get retested later to see how your levels change over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cryptococcal Antigen Test - Fungal Infection Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Cryptococcal Antigen Blood Test for Fungal Infection Screening

Cryptococcal Antigen, Latex Screen with Reflex to Titer

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What happens after I get my results?

Who should consider this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Cryptococcal Antigen Blood Test for Fungal Infection Screening

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say