ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0060149: Fungal Culture

Test Mnemonic: MC FUNG
Methodology: Standard reference procedures for fungal culture and identification of mould/yeast. DNA probes available for Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Blastomyces

Performed: Sun-Sat

Reported: Within 28 days
Culture: Preliminary: negative at 1 week or as soon as found positive
Final negative: 4 weeks

Specimen Required:  
Collect: Material or fluid from any body site. (Min: 1 mL fluid)  Source of specimen is required.

Transport: Material or body fluid in a sterile container.  Transport all specimens from a sterile body site (fluids, tissues, etc.) at 20-25°C.  Transport all specimens from a nonsterile site (respiratory, GI tract, etc.) at 2-8°C. Place each specimen in a separate, individually sealed bag.
   

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Pediatric Collection/Transport:

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Remarks: Indicate suspected organism(s). A single specimen may be cultured for both bacteria and fungi. Vaginal, throat, and stool specimens are processed only for Yeast Culture (0060150), even if ordered as a fungal culture. Media is available for direct inoculation. If CSF cannot be transported within eight hours, hold CSF at 35°C until the time of transport. For blood specimens, refer to Blood Culture, Fungal (0060070).

Unacceptable Conditions: Nonsterile samples, insufficient volume, and leaking containers.

Stability: Ambient: 3 days (CSF: 2 days); Refrigerated: 3 days; Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference Interval:
Culture negative for fungus.

Note:
If Histoplasma, Coccidioides, or Blastomyces is the presumptive diagnosis, a DNA probe will be added for confirmation at an additional charge per probe.
Fungal smear must be ordered separately.  Use Fungal Smear - KOH with Calcofluor White (0060161). 
Identification performed on positive mould isolates.  Limited yeast identification performed from nonsterile sites.
Identification of moulds and/or yeasts on positives is billed separately from culture.
For fungal culture of skin, hair, or nails refer to Fungal Culture, Skin, Hair or Nails (0060728).
Please notify laboratory if Malassezia furfur is suspected.  Special media must be used for the cultivation of this yeast.

CPT Code(s):
 87102