Galactomannan antigenemia after infusion of gluconate-containing Plasma-Lyte.

We demonstrated that sodium gluconate was the factor causing false-positive galactomannan (GM) antigenemia of Plasma-Lyte hydration solution. Infusion of sodium gluconate-containing solution but not gluconate-free Plasma-Lyte resulted in positive serum GM antigenemia. Serum GM concentrations also correlated with the volume and in vitro concentrations of GM within gluconate-containing solutions of infused Plasma-Lyte.

Diagnosis of histoplasmosis by antigen detection in BAL fluid.

Background: Detection of antigen in BAL is useful for diagnosis of histoplasmosis. The MVista Histoplasma antigen enzyme immunoassay has been modified to permit quantification. The purpose of this study is to compare the sensitivity of the quantitative antigen detection assay with cytopathology and culture of BAL specimens.