Fungal culture with qualitative identification and susceptibility testing (from stool specimen)
This test checks for the presence of fungi in your stool and determines if any found can be treated with medication.
["A stool fungal culture helps identify potential fungal infections that may require antifungal treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55305-7
- Short code
- Fungus Spec Ql KOH Prep
- Synonyms
- Fungus Spec 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
What This Test Measures
The test involves growing a sample of your stool in a controlled environment to detect fungal organisms. If fungi are present, they will grow into visible colonies, which are then identified and tested for susceptibility to common antifungal medications. This helps determine if an infection exists and what treatment might be most effective.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like persistent diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or a weakened immune system that could make you more susceptible to fungal infections. It’s also used in monitoring patients with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those taking long-term antibiotics.
How It’s Done
A small sample of your stool is collected in a sterile container and sent to a lab. The sample is then mixed with a special growth medium and incubated for several days. If fungi are present, they will grow and be identified under a microscope or through additional testing.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may need to collect a stool sample at home or bring a sample from a previous visit. Avoid using laxatives or enemas unless instructed by your doctor, as they can affect the test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate the presence of fungi in your stool, which could suggest an infection such as candidiasis (a yeast infection) or other fungal diseases. These infections may require antifungal medications to clear the infection and prevent complications. Early detection and treatment are crucial, especially for patients with weakened immune systems.
Short name
Stool Fungal Culture
Frequently asked questions
When will I get my results?
What does a positive result mean?
Can I take antibiotics 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