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Alphabetical Index
Fungus Culture (Lab001013) (8000100031)
Test Mnemonic:

F Fun 
Specimen Requirements:

Acceptable specimens include CSF, Aspirate/Abscess, Body Fluids, Tissue, Catheter Tip, Eye, Gastric Lavage, Hair, Skin, Nails, Sinus contents, Respiratory, Vaginal swabs, Urine
Test Included:

KOH direct prep*, cuture, sensitivities** 

*When applicable, based on source

**Sinsitivities performed on yeast when criteria is met. Sensitivities are not routinely performed on Molds. 
Collection:

Collection technique varies by specimen. 
Container:

Sterile container, Eswab ™
Minimum Volume:

1.0mL

Specimens sent with multiple tests requested and insufficient volume will have tests prioritized based on clinical importance from the provider. 
Storage/Transport:

Room temperature: CSF, Body Fluids, Ocular specimens, Gastric lavages, Tissues/biopsies.

Refrigerated: Urine, Abscess/ wounds, Feces, Respiratory sources 
Stability:

Stability is dependent on the source and collection container.

Specimens in non-preserved containers are stable up to 24 hour at appropriate storage.*

Specimens in preservative containers are stable up to 48 hours at appropriate storage. 

 

*Dermatology specimens (Hair, Skin, Nails) are acceptable up to 72 hours at appropriate storage. 
Causes for Rejection:

Specimens found to be under-labeled, mislabeled, or leaking containers.

 
Methodology:

KOH direct prep (when appropriate), culture for the isolation and identification of fungus, sensitivities when appropriate/ requested with Director approval. 
Performed:

Monday-Friday.
Lab:

Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

Urines, throats, and vaginal sources are held for 1 week. 

All other sources are held for 4 weeks. 
Reference Range:

No fungi isolated.
CPT 4 Code:

87102;87205

Additional CPT codes if indicated. 
Note:

If Cryptococcus species is suspected, a Cryptococcal antigen test should be ordered in addition to Fungal culture. 

Swabs are typically considered inferior for Fungal culture. Aspirate, Biospy, or tissue samples are preferred for best recovery. Several drops of sterile saline can be added to tissue samples for sample integrity. 

KOH preps are not routinely performed on Body fluids, Cather tips, Gastric lavages, Feces, Nasal swabs, Sputum, vaginal sources and urines. 

 
Synonyms:

Fungus culture, Fungal culture, Fungi, Mold, Yeast 
Clinical Indication:

Patients with suspected fungal infections. 
Effective Date: 07/18/2024
Reviewed By/Date: -
Approved By/Date: Williams-Bouyer, Natalie - 07/18/2024
When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.

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