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Test Code LAB240 Fungus Culture - Skin, Hair, Nail

Useful For

Isolation and identification of yeast and/or filamentous fungi from cutaneous collections (skin, hair, nails), only.

 

Reflex Testing may include: 

Definitive Identification (Fungal)

Performing Laboratory

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center

 

Performing Department

Microbiology

Specimen Required

Skin - Clean surface with 70% alcohol.  Scrape active margin of lesions with a sterile

scalpel or edge of clean glass slide. Place epidermal scrapings between glass slides that are then taped closed, or in sterile dry tube, or Petri dish if there is adequate sample.

 

Hair - No cleaning of scalp/site is necessary.  Remove at least 10 hairs with forceps from infected area or in areas where hair is broken off.  Space specimen in sterile container (urine cup, Petri dish).

 

Nails - Clean with 70% alcohol.  Scrape the outer surface of infected area and discard scrapings.  Scrape deeper portion for culture.  Remove a portion of debris from under nail.  Collect nail clippings or whole nail if removed.

 

Place all material in a sterile urine cup or Petri dish, when possible. Maintain at ambient temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Specimen Stability

24 hours at room temperature.

Method Name

Culture 

Day(s) Performed

Setup Monday through Sunday.

NOTE: Cultures cannot be ordered STAT or ASAP.  Smear within 24 hours.

 

Report Available

Preliminary reports sent weekly until final at 4 weeks.  If reflex testing is required, test results will be delayed.

Billing Code

3000435 / 3060061

CPT Code Information

87102 - Fungus Culture
87206 – Calcofluor, Smear, primary source with interpretation