Candida albicans DNA in Serum/Plasma by Qualitative Probe-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification (QNAP)

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or signs of infection (such as skin sores, organ dysfunction) and have risk factors for fungal infections, like weakened immunity (e.g., from HIV, chemotherapy, or long-term steroids). It may also be used in patients with persistent bloodstream infections that don’t respond to antibiotics.

How the Test Works

The test uses a special probe to detect genetic material (DNA) from *Candida albicans* in your blood sample. If the probe finds matching DNA, it confirms the presence of the yeast, helping doctors confirm or rule out infection.

Sample Collection and Preparation

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed to separate the liquid part (serum or plasma) for testing. This test does not require fasting or special preparation beyond standard blood draw procedures.

Results Interpretation

Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and do not provide a quantitative measure of yeast load. A positive result means the test detected *Candida albicans* DNA, suggesting possible infection. A negative result means no DNA was found, but it does not definitively rule out infection in all cases.