Fungal culture with qualitative identification and susceptibility testing (serum/plasma)
This test checks for the presence of fungi in your blood and determines if any identified fungi are resistant to certain medications.
["Helps diagnose fungal infections and guide treatment choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106049-0
- Short code
- Fungus Tiss Ql KOH Prep
- Synonyms
- Fungus Tiss 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 Does
A fungal blood culture involves growing samples of your blood in a controlled environment to detect and identify fungal organisms. If fungi are found, the test also assesses their sensitivity to antifungal drugs to tailor treatment.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is collected and split into multiple containers. These containers are incubated to allow any fungi present to grow. After a few days, if fungi are detected, they are identified and tested against a panel of antifungal medications to determine effectiveness.
When You Might Need This Test
This test is typically recommended if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained infections, especially if you have a weakened immune system, recent surgery, or underlying conditions like cancer or diabetes. Doctors may also order it if you’ve been exposed to fungal infections or are taking medications that increase your risk.
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood, similar to other blood tests. You can eat and drink normally before the procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fungal blood cultures are crucial for diagnosing serious fungal infections, such as candidiasis or invasive aspergillosis, which can be life-threatening if untreated. Early identification allows for prompt and effective treatment, reducing the risk of complications and improving recovery outcomes. Results help healthcare providers select the most appropriate antifungal therapy based on the identified organism and its susceptibility profile.
Short name
Fungal Blood Culture
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I have this test if I’m on antibiotics?
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