Candida albicans DNA Urine Qualitative Probe Test
This test checks for the presence of genetic material from *Candida albicans*, a type of yeast, in your urine. It helps determine if you may have a urinary tract infection caused by this fungus.
["Assists in diagnosing fungal urinary tract infections with a simple urine sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99033-3
- Short code
- CANDU
- Synonyms
- C albicans DNA Ur Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap urine collection container or vacuum-filled urine transport tube (yellow-top or manufacturer-specified nucleic acid preservation tube)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87481
- SNOMED
- 122281007
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL of urine; minimum 1-2 mL acceptable for molecular testing platforms
- Stability
- Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or lower): 30 days. For optimal nucleic acid integrity, transport at refrigerated temperature within 24 hours of collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent urinary urgency, pain during urination, or unusual discharge from the urethra, especially if you’ve been treated for bacterial infections without improvement. It’s also used in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections or those at higher risk for fungal infections, such as those with weakened immune systems or recent catheter use.
How the Test Works
The test uses a specialized probe to detect genetic material (DNA) from *Candida albicans* in your urine. This DNA is unique to the fungus and helps confirm its presence without needing to grow the organism in a lab. The result is qualitative, meaning it only tells you whether the fungus is present or not.
Sample Collection
You’ll provide a midstream urine sample (a clean-catch specimen) or a catheterized urine sample, depending on your healthcare provider’s instructions. The sample is collected in a sterile container and sent to the lab for analysis.
Test Results Interpretation
A positive result means *Candida albicans* DNA was found in your urine, suggesting a fungal urinary tract infection. A negative result means the fungus was not detected, but other causes of your symptoms should still be evaluated. Follow-up testing or treatment may be recommended based on your clinical picture.
Reference range
Negative (Not Detected): No Candida albicans DNA detected. Positive (Detected): Candida albicans DNA present, suggestive of infection or colonization.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. Prior to collection, the perineal/genital area should be cleaned with antiseptic wipes. For catheterized patients, specimen should be collected from the catheter using aseptic technique. Avoid contamination with skin or mucosal flora.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing fungal urinary tract infections, which can occur alongside or instead of bacterial infections. Early detection is important because untreated fungal infections can lead to complications like kidney damage or persistent symptoms. It’s especially critical for patients who have had multiple bacterial infections, are immunocompromised, or have recently used urinary catheters, which can increase the risk of fungal colonization.
Short name
Candida Urine Probe
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test replace a urine culture?
How soon will I get my results?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy