Fungal culture with microscopic examination of urine specimen
This test checks for the presence of fungi in your urine, which may indicate an infection such as candidiasis (a yeast infection). It involves growing urine samples in a lab to identify fungal organisms and examining them under a microscope.
["This test helps diagnose urinary fungal infections that may not show up on standard urine tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20457-8
- Short code
- Filament Fungi UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Filament Fungi UrnS Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test involves collecting a urine sample and culturing it on a special medium to allow fungal growth. Microscopic examination then identifies fungal structures, such as yeast cells or mold filaments, if present. This process helps confirm whether fungi are responsible for symptoms like persistent urinary tract infections or unusual discharge.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent urinary tract infections, unusual discharge, or signs of a systemic fungal infection. It’s particularly useful for patients with recurrent infections, weakened immune systems, or those who have not responded to standard antibiotic treatments.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A clean-catch midstream urine sample is typically collected. The sample is then sent to the lab, where it is cultured and examined under a microscope to detect fungal organisms. This process can take several days to yield results.
When Results May Be Abnormal
Positive results indicate the presence of fungi in your urine, which may signal a fungal infection. Negative results mean no fungi were detected in the sample, but other causes of symptoms should still be evaluated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fungal infections in the urinary tract can be more challenging to treat than bacterial infections and may require antifungal medications. Early detection through this test allows for prompt treatment to prevent complications, such as kidney damage or spread of infection.
Short name
Urine Fungal Screening
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What are common symptoms that might lead to this test?
Can this test be done at home?
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