Vaginal Candida Culture (with Cytology)
This test checks for the presence of *Candida* yeast in your vaginal area, often done when symptoms like itching, discharge, or irritation suggest a fungal infection.
["A vaginal yeast culture helps diagnose if a fungal infection is causing your symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33038-1
- Short code
- CANVS
- Synonyms
- Candida Vag Cyto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport swab or sterile container for vaginal fluid
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- 12–90 years
- Method
- cyto-stain
- CPT
- 87210
- SNOMED
- 44608006
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 0.5 mL of vaginal fluid or visible specimen on swab
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; If delayed processing, transport in appropriate viral transport medium
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test involves collecting a sample from your vagina using a swab or other sterile tool. The sample is then examined under a microscope or grown in a lab to identify yeast organisms, including *Candida*, which can cause infections.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge, itching, burning, or redness—especially if you’ve had these signs for more than a week or two. It helps confirm whether a yeast infection is the cause.
Sample Collection Process
You’ll likely be asked to clean your vaginal area gently with mild soap and water before the test. A healthcare professional will insert a speculum to open your vagina slightly and collect a sample using a swab or other tool. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What to Expect After the Test
After the test, you may feel mild discomfort or slight spotting, but this is normal. Avoid douching or using vaginal products for 24 hours before or after the test to ensure accurate results.
Reference range
Negative for Candida speciesN/A
Patient should avoid douching, vaginal medications, and sexual intercourse for 24-48 hours prior to specimen collection. Specimen should be collected before menses or after menstrual flow has ceased when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Vaginal Yeast Culture
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to wait for results?
Can I treat my symptoms at home without testing?
Will this test affect my pregnancy?
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