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Epic Code LAB240 Fungal Culture, not Hair, Skin, or Nails

Important Note

  • Fungal stain will be performed at Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West, Grand Rapids.
    • Fungal stain not included on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or bone marrow specimens.
  • If trying to rule-out Malassezia furur, please indicate ,"rule-out M. furfur" in the order comments as unique isolation techniques need to be taken to isolate this organism.
  • If ruling out dimorphic fungi such as Sporothrix spp., Histoplasma spp., Blastomyces, etc. indicate suspected isolate in the ordering comments for cultures to be held for an extended incubation.

Test Name Alias

Culture Fungus(not hair,skin,nail) w/ Fungal Stain | 8898 |Culture Fungus Respiratory w/ Fungal Stain | Fungal Culture Respiratory | 173 | Fungal Respiratory Culture | SHO8898 | 1230100554

Interface Order Alias

50022

Clinical Information

This test includes a fungal stain. Note: Fungal stain is not included on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or bone marrow specimens.

Extended incubation after 28 days by special request (i.e. Histoplasmosis).

Ordering Instructions

Replicate specimens collected at the same time and with the same description (i.e. left leg tissue 1, 2, and 3) may be pooled for processing, and will be reported with a result comment indicating which orders were pooled.

If ruling out certain fungi - please indicate suspected isolate in the order comments

Fungal stain will be performed at Corewell Health Reference Laboratory West, Grand Rapids.

  • Fungal stain not included on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen.

Icons & Photos

CSF Transport Tubes
Sterile Container with Lid
Eswab with Regular Swab
  Lithium or sodium heparine tubes

 

Collection Instructions

Multiple specimen types. Submit only one of the following specimens:

 

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Volume: 1.0 mL
Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Indicate specimen type and source.

Specimen Transport Temperature: Ambient

 

Body Fluid

Specimen Type: Body Fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile container or ESwab
Collection Instructions: Indicate specimen type and source.

Specimen Transport Temperature: Ambient

 

Biopsy specimen

Specimen Type: Biopsy specimen
Container/Tube: Sterile container or ESwab
Collection Instructions: Indicate specimen type and source.

  1. Open the peel pouch and remove the contents. Aseptically unscrew and remove the cap from the ESwab.

  2. Place the tube in a secure position so as not to allow the liquid to leak out of the tube.

  3. Remove the swab. Collect the patient's sample using the swab. 

  4. Insert the swab back into the tube of liquid, all the way to the bottom of the tube.

  5. Holding the swab shaft close to the rim of the tube, break the applicator shaft at the color breakpoint indication line.

  6. Screw the cap on tightly to prevent leakage. Discard the broken handle of the shaft into an approved medical waste disposal container.

  7. Write the patient's information (Name and Date of Birth) on the tube or apply a label with patient’s information. Indicate source.

  8. Send specimen to the Laboratory.

  9. Specimen Transport Temperature: Ambient

 

Swab, Cervix/Vaginal

Specimen Type: Swab, Cervix/Vaginal Swab
Container/Tube: ESwab

Collection Instructions: Fungal culture with staining may be used to detect yeast from genital specimens.

 

Note: The ESwab fluid maintains the viability of diverse bacteria, yeast and fungus. Do not send a dry ESwab as this will lead to unsatisfactory results. If the tube spills its contents prior to inserting the swab, the liquid is non-toxic. Simply put the swab into another tube before sending it to the laboratory and discard the spilled tube.

 

Sputum, Bronch Lavage or Brush

Specimen Type: sputum, bronc lavage or brush
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Collection Instructions: Morning collection is preferred. Collect four or five deep coughs in a sterile specimen container. Place cap on the container. Label with orders (include source: sputum). Deliver to lab immediately.

Transport Temperature: Ambient (Inpatients) Refrigerated (Outpatients)

 

Bone Marrow

Specimen type: Bone Marrow

Container(s): Green top (Sodium Heparin) or Green top (Lithium Heparin)

Preferred Volume to Collect: 3 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

  • Patient's full name, date and time of collection are required.
  • Collect bone marrow and transfer marrow from syringe to plain green top sodium heparin tube.
  • Label bottles with patient’s full name, date and time of collection, draw site, and volume in the patient’s presence.
  • Transport the bottles to the laboratory as soon as possible (ambient)

 

Lab Staff Instructions

Lab Central Staff: All CSF specimens to Hematology first.

Specimen Stability

Ambient: Send to laboratory as soon as possible. Bone Marrow: 8 hours

Refrigerated (Eswab only): 48 hours

Refrigerated (sputum, bronc lavage or brush): 24 hours

Laboratory Retention: 4 days

 

 

Test Frequency

Available daily.

 

Extended incubation after 28 days by special request (i.e. Histoplasmosis)

Reference Range

No fungus isolated

Performing Department

Microbiology

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI

Methodology

Manual

CPT

87102

CDM Code

3068710201

Epic Test ID

1230100554

Mayo Access Code

SHO8898

Reviewed Date

3/24/2025

Updated Date

3/15/2024 - added in Fungal Respiratory Culture with Fungal Stain information

4/24/2025 - CHS info added

8/8/2025 - CHW updated for bone marrow

11/5/2025 - CHS info removed

Orderable Regions

Southwest; West