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Fungal Blood Culture (Qualitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of fungi (yeasts or molds) in your blood, which can indicate a serious infection called fungemia.

Quick summary

["A positive result may signal a fungal blood infection requiring urgent medical attention."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
10852-2
Short code
Deprecated Fungus Bld
Synonyms
Deprecated Fungus Bld
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
routine-fungal-culture
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider 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 a medical condition that increases your risk of fungal infections.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may receive an injection to prevent blood clots during the procedure. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to a lab for culture analysis.

What the Test Results Mean

A negative result means no fungi were detected in the blood sample. A positive result indicates potential fungal infection, which will guide further testing (e.g., blood cultures for species identification) and treatment decisions.

Common Causes of Positive Results

Positive fungal blood cultures can occur due to infections from common fungi like *Candida* (yeasts) or *Aspergillus* (molds), often in vulnerable patients (e.g., those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, or organ transplants).

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Fungal blood infections are rare but serious. A positive result requires prompt medical evaluation to determine the cause and start appropriate antifungal therapy. Delayed treatment can worsen outcomes, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Short name

Fungal Blood Culture

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results from a fungal blood culture?
Results typically take 3–7 days or longer, depending on lab methods and fungal growth. Some labs may perform preliminary screening earlier, but final confirmation may take weeks.
Can I take antibiotics before my fungal blood culture?
No, antibiotics (even broad-spectrum ones) should not be taken before this test, as they can interfere with fungal growth detection. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
What are the most common fungi found in blood cultures?
The most common fungi detected in blood cultures are *Candida* species (e.g., *Candida albicans*), followed by *Aspergillus* species. Other rare fungi may also be identified based on clinical context.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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