Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1356 page)

   See
Blood Culture
,
Fungal
for information regarding the detection of fungemia.

Turnaround Time

   Cultures for yeast are incubated for 7 days. Routine fungal cultures are incubated for up to 4 weeks. Cultures for systemic dimorphic pathogens are incubated for up to 8 weeks. Additional time is needed for isolation and identification of isolates.

   Special Collection and Transport Instructions

   Specimens are collected using sterile technique and transported in a sterile container within 2 hours. Store specimens at 4°C if transport will be delayed.

   Most specimens for fungal culture are collected following standard specimen collection instructions.

   Collection of specimens using swabs is not recommended, except for samples from mucous membranes for the diagnosis of candidiasis.

   SPS anticoagulation is recommended for blood and bone marrow specimens.

   Pluck multiple hairs (10 or more) and scrape scalp from involved areas.

   Wipe affected nail with 70% alcohol. Submit nail clippings and scrapings from beneath nails in a clean container.

   Wipe affected skin lesions with 70% alcohol. Scrape the advancing margin to remove superficial cells and keratinized material; submit in a clean container.

   Interpretation

   
Expected results:
No growth.

   
Positive:
Positive cultures must be carefully interpreted to ensure that endogenous fungal flora and culture contaminants are recognized.