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Fungal Culture

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Test Description
  • Contact: Diagnostic Microbiology (319) 335-4256
  • Test Request Form: Mycobacteriology/Mycology/Parasitology
  • SHL OpenELIS Code: 619, 693, 694
Culture to evaluate for suspected fungal disease. This test is for submission of clinical specimens.
Reflex Test(s)
Fungus by Culture, Fungus by Identification, Yeast Identification by MALDI-TOF Spectrometry, Fungus Identification by D2 LSU rDNA Fungal Sequencing
Performed Avg. Turnaround Time Method
Coralville, M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - noon
28 - 60 business days Fungal Culture Microscopy
Fee CPT Code(s)
Variable. $16.14 - Hair, skin, nails. $18.90 - Blood. $12.25 - Other. 87101 - hair, skin, nails; 87102 - other; 87103 - blood
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Blood; respiratory (Bronchial brushings, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL)/washings, Sputum, Other); nails or skin scrapings (annotate scraping source, skin vs. scalp).
Collection Instructions: Blood: whole blood specimen, 10-30 mL in green top tube with heparin.
    Respiratory: use sterile, leak-proof tube.
      Nails or scrapings: use clean container.
        Shipping:
        Specimens should be stored and shipped under the same conditions. Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Transport respiratory specimens with cold packs and all other specimens at room temperature. Ship to the Coralville location.
        Temperature and Stability: Respiratory Specimens: Refrigerate (2-8°C). Other Specimens: Room Temperature; stable for 24 hours. Whole Blood specimen: Room Temperature (preferred); Refrigerated (2-8°C); stable for 7 days.
        Rejection Criteria: Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions:

        Swabs of skin lesions are unacceptable. Skin scrapings of suspected fungal lesions should be submitted. Specimens not received in the correct temperature ranges stated under "Temperature and Stability" will be rejected.
        Expected Results:
        No fungus isolated, name of fungal organism identified
        Comments
        Positive cultures are reported as soon as detected; preliminary negative within 3 weeks; final negative within 5 weeks.
        Alternate Names
        Fungal culture, Dermatophyte culture, Yeast culture
        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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