Yeast Colony Color, Wound/Skin, Drainage/Abscess, Incision/Scar, Lesion/Tissue — Culture
A culture test that grows yeast from a skin or wound-related sample and records colony color to help identify the organism.
["Colony color can help narrow the type of yeast found, but additional testing may be needed for definitive identification."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 98406-2
- Short code
- Yeast colony w SDA Islt Cult-Color
- Synonyms
- Yeast colony w SDA Islt Cult-Color
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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 this test?
This test is used to detect and help identify yeast growing from samples such as skin, wounds, drainage, abscesses, incisions, scars, lesions, or tissue. The laboratory records the color of any yeast colonies as one feature used in identification.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered when a yeast infection is suspected in a skin or wound area, especially if symptoms persist, recur, or do not respond to treatment. Results can help guide further identification or antifungal treatment decisions.
How is the test performed?
A clinician or laboratory collects a sample from the affected area. The specimen is placed on culture media and incubated under laboratory conditions; if yeast grows, the colonies are examined and their color is recorded.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. Follow the collection instructions provided by your clinician, and tell the laboratory if you recently took antibiotics or antifungal medicines because these can affect yeast growth.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Growth of yeast indicates that viable yeast was present in the collected sample, but it does not by itself establish that yeast is the cause of the symptoms. Colony color is a useful identification feature, although additional biochemical or molecular testing may be needed for a definitive species identification. The result should be interpreted with the sample site, symptoms, and other laboratory findings.
Short name
Yeast Colony Culture
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have a yeast infection?
What does the colony color tell the laboratory?
Will I need another test to identify the yeast?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy