Candida albicans quantitative serum/splasma culture (qualitative/quantitative growth detection)
This test checks for the presence of *Candida albicans*, a type of yeast that can cause infections, by growing it in a lab from a blood sample.
["A positive result may indicate a fungal bloodstream infection requiring medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56150-6
- Short code
- CANDM
- Synonyms
- C albicans IgM Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top) or plain red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 12
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for detection of IgM antibodies against Candida albicans
- CPT
- 86628
- SNOMED
- 5762004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- 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
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained infections, especially if you have a weakened immune system, recent surgery, or conditions like diabetes or cancer. It helps identify if *Candida albicans* is growing in your bloodstream, which can be dangerous if untreated.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is taken and placed in a lab medium that supports yeast growth. If *Candida albicans* is present, it will grow and can be identified under a microscope or by further testing.
What the Results Mean
A negative result means no *Candida albicans* was detected in the sample. A positive result suggests potential infection, prompting further testing (like blood cultures or antifungal treatments). Results are not always immediate and may take days to confirm.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
Positive results are most common in people with weakened immune systems, those receiving chemotherapy, or those with prolonged hospital stays. Rarely, it may occur in healthy individuals with transient infections.
Reference range
Negative: <10 AU/mL; Equivocal: 10-12 AU/mL; Positive: >12 AU/mL (values vary by assay manufacturer)N/A
No fasting required. No special patient preparation necessary prior to specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Candida Culture (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my health?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I prevent fungal infections from affecting my test 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy