Cryptococcus is a type of fungus which is responsible for causing meningitis. Cryptococcal antigen test is a form of investigative test used for the diagnosis of this form of meningitis. It is a simple test which does not require the patient to be admitted in the hospital. Blood or cerebrospinal fluid of the patient is used for testing. There are no restrictions on the patient prior to, during or after performing the test.
Cryptococcal Antigen Test Cost in Various Indian CitiesWe have Cryptococcal Antigen Test price information in 18 cities.
| City | Average Price | Starting Price | Price Upto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | Rs. 1135.00 | Rs. 550.00 | Rs. 1960.00 |
| Chennai | Rs. 1819.00 | Rs. 1000.00 | Rs. 2600.00 |
| Coimbatore | Rs. 1820.00 | Rs. 900.00 | Rs. 3000.00 |
| Ghaziabad | Rs. 1605.00 | Rs. 1000.00 | Rs. 2750.00 |
| Gurgaon | Rs. 1029.00 | Rs. 600.00 | Rs. 1960.00 |
| Hyderabad | Rs. 1715.00 | Rs. 1200.00 | Rs. 2500.00 |
| Kolkata | Rs. 1938.00 | Rs. 1590.00 | Rs. 2800.00 |
| Mumbai | Rs. 1885.00 | Rs. 990.00 | Rs. 2500.00 |
| Delhi | Rs. 2237.00 | Rs. 1400.00 | Rs. 4300.00 |
| Noida | Rs. 1641.00 | Rs. 800.00 | Rs. 2500.00 |
| Pune | Rs. 1666.00 | Rs. 250.00 | Rs. 5000.00 |
| Secunderabad | Rs. 2333.00 | Rs. 1500.00 | Rs. 2750.00 |
| Thane | Rs. 1025.00 | Rs. 550.00 | Rs. 1500.00 |
Cryptococcal infection tends to occur in people who are low on immunity or who are suffering from chronic health conditions like HIV, cancer etc. Therefore, patients with these health conditions become potential candidates to undergo Cryptococcal antigen test.
For Cryptococcal antigen test, blood from the patient's vein is withdrawn under sterile conditions. It is kept mixed with agents which prevent it from clotting. If cerebrospinal fluid is used, it is withdrawn with great precaution. Utmost care is taken so that the spinal cord remains undamaged. These body fluids are then tested for presence of Cryptococcus.
If the test is positive, then it is repeated using more diluted concentrations of the specimen taken from the patient till the titre is obtained. Titre is indicative of the intensity of the infection. Negative test results are not be neglected if the patient is symptomatic. Also, if only one specimen has been tested and the result is negative, repeating the test may be considered.
Earlier, the body fluids received from the patient were subjected to microscopic study or were cultured to detect the presence of cryptococcus. Antigen test is far superior than these methods as its results are quicker and it is more sensitive to the presence of crypctococcus than culture or microscopic studies.
