Fungal Culture from Specimen (Quantitative)
This test helps identify and confirm the presence of fungi in your body by growing and examining a sample from your specimen under controlled conditions.
["A fungal culture can help diagnose infections caused by fungi and guide treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51723-5
- Short code
- Fungus Spec Ql Cult
- Synonyms
- Fungus Spec Ql Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-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
What Is a Fungal Culture?
A fungal culture involves taking a sample (such as blood, skin, or other bodily fluid) and growing it in a lab setting to detect and identify any fungal organisms that may be present. This process helps determine if an infection exists and what type of fungus it is.
Why Might You Need This Test?
You may need a fungal culture if you have symptoms like persistent skin rashes, unexplained fever, or signs of a systemic infection. Doctors may also order this test for patients with weakened immune systems or those at higher risk for fungal infections.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A healthcare provider will collect a sample, such as a swab from the skin, a fluid sample (like from a wound or joint), or a blood sample. The sample is then sent to a lab for culture and incubation.
What Happens During the Test?
Once the sample is received, it is placed in a nutrient-rich medium where fungi, if present, will grow over several days to weeks. The lab will then examine the culture for signs of fungal growth and identify the specific type if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Fungal Culture
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Common fungal infections identified through this test include yeast infections (like Candida), skin infections (like ringworm), and systemic fungal infections (like those caused by mold).
Most sample collections for fungal cultures are minimally uncomfortable. Some may feel slight soreness or irritation at the collection site, but this is usually temporary.
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