Test Overview

Test Methodology

Culture

Test Usage

Establish the presence of filamentous fungi, dimorphic pathogens, Candida species and aerobic actinomycetes.

Reference Range*

No fungi or aerobic actinomycete isolated.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

A single negative culture does not rule out the presence of fungal infection. Swabs should be submitted to the laboratory only when aspirated purulent fluid, exudate, or biopsy material cannot be obtained. Decreased recovery of filamentous fungi possible from specimens received on swabs.

Test Details

Days Test Performed

Daily

Analytic Time

Preliminary results on all cultures are reported in 12-24 hours. The health care provider will be notified of cultures positive with systemic pathogens. Negative cultures will be reported after 4 weeks.

Soft Order Code

FNG

Synonyms

Laboratory

Microbiology

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Specimen Requirements

Offsite Collection Instructions

To isolate yeast, send 2 Eswabs available from MLabs. To isolate other fungi, send fluids or tissue in sterile container. For optimum recovery, send immediately. If specimen must be stored and Histoplasma isolation is not desired, refrigerate immediately after specimen collection. May be refrigerated up to 24 hrs. If Histoplasma isolation is desired, keep specimen at room temperature and send to Microbiology within 4 hrs of specimen collection. If Histoplasma or other fungal species is suspected, indicate on requisition. Indicate specimen source, collection date/time, current antibiotic therapy, and clinical diagnosis. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the client will be notified and another specimen will be requested before disposal of the original specimen.

Normal Volume

0.5 - 5 ml fluid or tissue (preferred) or 2 Eswabs

Minimum Volume

0.5 - 5 ml fluid or tissue (preferred) or 2 Eswabs

Additional Information

Test includes culture and, if specimen is adequate, direct smear. Isolation of Histoplasma is suboptimal from specimens older than 4 hrs and is unlikely from specimens older than 8 hrs.

Billing Information

Fee Codes

CPT Code

87102 Isolation, 87106 Identification, 87205 Smear

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