Fungal Culture from Specimen Collected on Culture Media (e.g., Sabouraud Dextrose Agar)
This test checks for the presence of fungi in a sample, such as blood, skin, or other body fluids, by growing them in a lab setting. It helps identify infections caused by yeast or mold.
["A fungal culture can help diagnose infections that standard tests may miss, guiding treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19101-5
- Short code
- Fungus CC # Spec Cult
- Synonyms
- Fungus CC # Spec Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- culture
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent skin rashes, unexplained fever, or signs of an infection that doesn’t improve with antibiotics. It’s also used in people with weakened immune systems or those at higher risk for fungal infections.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A small sample of your body fluid, tissue, or blood is taken (e.g., via swab, blood draw, or other procedure) and placed on a special growth medium. The sample is then incubated in a lab for days or weeks to see if fungi grow.
What Does the Test Show?
If fungi grow, the lab identifies the type of fungus. This helps determine the best antifungal treatment. If no fungi grow, it means either the infection isn’t fungal or the sample wasn’t sufficient to detect it.
What Are Common Fungal Infections Detected?
This test can identify infections like candidiasis (yeast), aspergillosis (mold), or other systemic fungal diseases. These infections can affect the skin, lungs, blood, or other organs.
Reference range
NCBI: SCC <2.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Fungal cultures are critical for diagnosing infections that can be life-threatening, especially in vulnerable populations. Early identification allows for targeted antifungal therapy, reducing complications and improving outcomes.
Short name
Fungal Culture Screening
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from a fungal culture?
What if my sample grows fungi but I don’t have symptoms?
Can I prevent fungal infections that this test might detect?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy