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Candida auris PCR (Fee-for-Service)

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Test Description
  • Contact: Molecular (319) 335-4276
  • Test Request Form: Viral and Bacterial PCR
  • SHL OpenELIS Code: 1134
Determine Candida auris carrier status of affected individual.
Reflex Test(s)
Additional confirmatory testing may be performed at the Minnesota Department of Health, Public Health Laboratory. This test and method will be named "Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous" on the SHL result report.
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
1-3 business days Nucleic Acid Amplification by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Fee CPT Code(s)
$50.00 87481
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: 1 eSwab (armpit and groin) and 1 Hologic Aptima Multitest Swab (armpit and groin).
Patient Preparation: Do not wipe collection sites with ETOH prior to swabbing.
Collection Kits: A single "Candida auris PCR Kit" includes: 1 Copan Liquid Amies Elution Swab (eSwab) and 1 Hologic Aptima Multitest Swab. Order SHL "Candida auris PCR Kit" at https://shl.uiowa.edu/request-clinical-testing-or-kits.
Collection Instructions:
  1. Carefully remove the eSwab tube from the packaging and set aside. Pull the swab from its package, being careful not to touch the soft tip or shaft below the break line.
  2. Swab both armpits (left and right), swiping back and forth 3 - 5 times per armpit by firmly rubbing with the soft end of the collection swab.
  3. With the same swab, firmly rub both sides of the swab tip on the skin of both hip creases (left and right), swiping back and forth 3 - 5 times per hip crease.
  4. Remove the cap from the eSwab collection tube, then place the soft end of the collection swab into the tube.
  5. Be careful to keep the cap from touching any material that may contaminate your sample. DO NOT DUMP OUT THE LIQUID IN THE TUBE.
  6. Snap off the end of the swab at the marked line by bending the plastic handle against the edge of the transport media container and recap the tube.
  7. Repeat the same steps (1-6) for the Hologic Aptima Multitest Swab.
  8. Label both the eSwab and Hologic Aptima Multitest Swab specimens with 2 patient identifiers and ship immediately to the State Hygienic Laboratory.
Shipping:
Wrap eSwab and Hologic Aptima Multitest Swab specimens in absorbent material and place both specimens in an individually sealed biohazard bag. Transport specimens overnight at room temperature or on a cold pack to SHL.
Temperature and Stability: Specimens should be kept at room temperature or refrigerated (4-25 degrees C) and shipped to the laboratory for processing.
Rejection Criteria: Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions:

eSwabs and Hologic Aptima Multitest Swabs with no liquid or no swab inside the transport media container. Damaged or visible leakage of transport tubes. Specimens received > 4 days after collection. Unlabeled or mislabeled specimens. Specimens without test request forms.
Expected Results:
Candida auris: Detected, Not Detected, Invalid.
Comments
Alternate Names
C. auris PCR
The University of Iowa

State Hygienic Laboratory

General inquires
SHL Client Services
319-335-4500 or 1-800-421-IOWA (4692)
ask-shl@uiowa.edu

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