Test Information:
This test is used in the identification, treatment and management of fungal infection among immunocompromised hosts.
Specimen Container:
Sterile Container or Plain or Amies swab
Specimen Type:
- Hair
- Skin scrapings
- Nail clippings
- Blood
- Aspirates and discharges
- Tissues or mass
- Sterile body fluids
- Other body fluids
- Urine
Required Volume:
- Tissue: portion of affected tissue
- Blood and other body fluids: 0.5 to 2 mL
- Nails and Skin scrapings: Generous portion of affected area.
- Hair: 10 to 12 affected hair
- Urine: 10 to 60 mL
- Blood: Use sodium heparin as anticoagulant.
Patient Preparation:
1. Nails: Remove nail polish, if present.
- Wipe nail with 70% alcohol pad. Air dry.
- Clip a generous portion of the affected area plus scrapings of the excess keratin under the nail.
- Scrape away the outer portion and obtain scrapings from the deeper infected area.
2. Hair: At least 10 to 12 affected hair with the base of the shaft intact should be collected with forceps.
3. Skin: Remove make-up, lotion, ointment or any powdery and oily material which can interfere with the test.
- Clean skin with 70% alcohol pad or clean with soap and water.
- Air dry. Gently scrape the surface of the skin at the actual margin(periphery) of the lesion.
Notes:
1. Specimen must be collected in sterile condition.
- Include in Internal Message/Remarks: Room #, type of specimen, site of collection and special remarks/endorsement.
- Please indicate Time and Date of Collection.
Storage & Stability
(Before Processing)
- For CSF:
Storage: 18 to 24˚C
Stability: 1 hour from the time of collection - For other specimen type:
Storage: 18 to 24˚C
Stability: 24 hours from the time of collection
Transport Temperature:
Room (18˚C – 24˚C)
Test Category:
Routine
Test Schedule:
Daily
Results Availability:
• If NEGATIVE: Report is issued after 14 to 21 days of incubation.
• If POSITIVE: Final report will depend on the pathogenic fungi isolated.