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Rapid and reliable detection of cryptococcal infection

The IMMY CrAg LFA (cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay) is the first immunochromatographic dipstick assay for the qualitative and semiquantitative detection of the cryptococcal capsular antigen in serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Available exclusively in the UK from Alpha Laboratories, it has revolutionised cryptococcal antigen testing, with excellent sensitivity across all serotypes of Cryptococcus. CrAg LFA can detect all four CrAg serotypes, with improved sensitivity for Cryptococcus gattii infections (serotype C).

The test involves five easy steps with no equipment required and no specimen pretreatment. It takes just 10 minutes with less than a minute of hands-on time. The CrAg LFA is easily scaled up to handle multiple samples. It allows for titre determination (semiquantitation) with up to five times greater sensitivity than other cryptococcal antigen tests on the market.

Cryptococcosis, a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus species complex (C. neoformans [pictured in lung stained with mucicarmine] and C. gattii), is one of the most common HIV-related opportunistic infections. Each year, approximately 1,000,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis occur globally, resulting in more than 1700 deaths every day. Patients undergoing organ transplantation or aggressive treatment of cancer and connective tissue diseases are also at risk of developing the disease due to immunosuppression.

www.alphalabs.co.uk/crag

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Upcoming Events

USCAP 113th Annual Meeting

Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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