Fungal skin antigen (qualitative) – Serum/plasma
This test detects the presence of fungal antigens in your blood, which can help identify infections caused by fungi like *Candida* or *Aspergillus*. It’s used primarily in patients with suspected fungal skin or systemic infections.
["This test helps diagnose fungal infections by checking for fungal proteins in your bloodstream."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55303-2
- Short code
- Fungus Skin Ql KOH Prep
- Synonyms
- Fungus Skin Ql KOH Prep
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- koh-preparation
- 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
When Is This Test Used?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent skin rashes, unexplained fever, or signs of a fungal infection (e.g., persistent thrush, skin lesions, or organ involvement). It’s also used in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or long-term steroid use, who are at higher risk for fungal infections.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then tested for fungal antigens using an immunoassay method, which detects specific proteins from fungi in your serum or plasma.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of fungal antigens in your blood, suggesting an active fungal infection. However, false positives can occur, so further testing (like culture or biopsy) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no detectable fungal antigens were found in your blood sample. However, it doesn’t rule out a fungal infection entirely—other diagnostic tests may still be needed to confirm or rule out the infection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Skin Fungal Antigen (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
Early detection of fungal infections is critical, especially in high-risk patients. This test helps healthcare providers monitor infections in people with compromised immune systems or those who may not show obvious symptoms. It can also guide treatment decisions, such as starting antifungal medications sooner rather than later.
Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on lab processing times. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during your follow-up visit.
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a mild bruise or soreness at the injection site, but this usually goes away quickly. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the test.
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