Candida albicans in Serum Culture (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of *Candida albicans*, a type of yeast, in your blood serum using a culture method. It helps identify infections caused by this fungus.
["A positive result may indicate a fungal bloodstream infection requiring medical evaluation and treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33406-0
- Short code
- CANDCF
- Synonyms
- C albicans Ab Ser CF-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- comp-fix
- CPT
- 86171
- SNOMED
- 74441003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 50
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test involves collecting a blood sample from a vein and processing it to grow *Candida albicans* in a controlled environment. If the yeast is present, it will grow and be detected after several days. This method is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether the yeast is present or not, not how much.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of a fungal infection, such as fever, chills, or signs of infection in other parts of your body. It’s also used in patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to chemotherapy, HIV, or organ transplants) who are at higher risk for fungal infections.
How It’s Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is cultured to detect the presence of *Candida albicans* over time. Results are reported as either positive (yeast detected) or negative (no yeast detected).
What the Results Mean
A positive result means *Candida albicans* was found in your blood serum, suggesting a fungal infection. This requires further medical evaluation, including possible additional tests or treatment with antifungal medications. A negative result means no yeast was detected in this sample.
Reference range
Negative: <1:10 titer; Positive: ≥1:10 titer suggests exposure or active infection with Candida albicansN/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed about the test purpose; avoid hemolyzed or lipemic samples. Inform clinician of any recent antifungal therapy as it may affect antibody levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing invasive fungal infections, particularly in high-risk patients. Early detection allows for prompt treatment to prevent complications such as organ damage or sepsis. However, false negatives can occur, so follow-up testing may be needed if symptoms persist.
Short name
Candida Culture (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
When might I get this test?
What does a positive result mean?
Can false results occur?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy