Phasing out India ink: the case for the CrAg LFA in modern practice

Cryptococcal meningitis remains a life-threatening infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and timely, accurate diagnosis is essential. In a retrospective review of 489 cerebrospinal fluid samples at a tertiary cancer center, the India ink stain demonstrated low sensitivity (42.9%) compared to lateral flow antigen (100%) and multiplex PCR (100%) methods. These findings support replacing the outdated, labor-intensive India ink test with more accurate, rapid diagnostics to improve detection and patient outcomes. IMPORTANCE The India ink test has historically been a cornerstone of cryptococcal diagnosis, but its low sensitivity and reliance on subjective interpretation make it increasingly obsolete in modern practice. Continued reliance on India ink risks delayed or missed diagnoses, particularly in immunocompromised patients where early detection is critical. In contrast, the cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay (CrAg LFA) and other modern diagnostics provide superior sensitivity, ease of use, and reproducibility. Phasing out India ink in favor of the CrAg LFA is essential to align clinical practice with contemporary diagnostic standards and to improve patient outcomes.