Genital Yeast Culture, Qualitative
A laboratory culture used to detect and identify yeast in a genital specimen. Results may help evaluate symptoms such as itching, irritation, discharge, or soreness.
["This test checks whether yeast is present in a genital sample and can help identify the type of yeast causing symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18483-8
- Short code
- Yeast Genital Ql Cult
- Synonyms
- Yeast Genital Ql Cult
- 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
- organism-specific-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?
A genital yeast culture is a laboratory test that grows any yeast present in a genital specimen so it can be detected and identified. It may be used when a yeast infection is suspected based on symptoms or an initial examination.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test if you have genital itching, redness, soreness, burning, or a discharge that could be related to a yeast infection. Culture can also help guide treatment when the type of yeast is uncertain.
How is the test performed?
A clinician collects a small specimen from the genital area, usually with a swab, and sends it to a laboratory. The laboratory places the specimen on a suitable culture medium and checks for yeast growth, which may then be identified further.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's collection instructions. Tell the clinician about any recent antibiotics, antifungal medicines, vaginal or genital products, or douching, because these can affect the results.
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 may support a diagnosis of a genital yeast infection, particularly when it matches the symptoms and examination. No yeast detected makes infection less likely but does not completely exclude it, especially if antibiotics or antifungal treatment was recently used. The isolated yeast type and clinical findings may influence treatment choices.
Short name
Genital yeast culture
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I definitely have a yeast infection?
Can this culture identify the specific type of yeast?
Should I stop using my current medication 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy