Fungal Nucleic Acid Detection by Probe (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects genetic material from certain fungi in your blood, helping doctors check for infections caused by fungi like Candida or Cryptococcus.
["This test helps identify fungal infections early, which is important for starting the right treatment quickly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98398-1
- Short code
- Fungus Islt NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- Fungus Islt NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test looks for specific genetic sequences (nucleic acids) from fungi in your blood. These sequences are unique to certain types of fungi and can indicate an active infection. The probe method amplifies and detects these sequences to confirm presence.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, or organ dysfunction that could suggest a fungal infection, especially in high-risk groups such as people with weakened immune systems (e.g., from HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or organ transplants).
How It Works
A small blood sample is taken and analyzed using a specialized probe technique. This method detects fungal genetic material without needing to grow the fungus in a lab first, making it faster and more sensitive for certain infections.
Who Might Need This Test
This test is typically recommended for individuals at higher risk of fungal infections, such as those with immune system disorders, recent surgeries, or prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate the presence of fungal genetic material, suggesting a fungal infection that may require antifungal treatment. Negative results mean no detectable fungal genetic material in the sample, but further testing or monitoring may still be needed depending on clinical symptoms and risk factors.
Short name
Fungal Probe Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
What if my test is negative?
How soon will I get results?
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