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Yeast Identification, Isolate, by Culture

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A laboratory culture used to detect and identify yeast growing from a clinical specimen, such as a skin swab, sputum, urine, or blood sample.

Quick summary

["This test can identify the yeast responsible for an infection when a culture is needed."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
90078-7
Short code
Yeast Islt Cult
Synonyms
Yeast Islt 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 yeast culture is a laboratory test that checks a specimen for the growth of yeast. If yeast grows, the laboratory may perform additional testing to identify the type.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may order this test for symptoms of a fungal infection, such as a persistent rash, oral thrush, genital irritation, cough, or fever. It may also be used to evaluate suspected infection in people with weakened immune systems or recurrent infections.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional collects a specimen from the area being evaluated. The laboratory places it on suitable culture media, monitors it for growth, and uses identification tests to determine whether yeast is present and which type it is.

How do I prepare for the test?

Preparation depends on the specimen and collection site. Follow your clinician's instructions, and tell the laboratory if you recently used antifungal medicines or antibiotics. Do not stop prescribed treatment unless your clinician tells you to.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Yeast culture

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive yeast culture always mean I have an infection?
No. Some yeast can normally live on the skin or in other body sites, so a positive result must be considered with your symptoms and the specimen source.
How long does a yeast culture take?
Results often require several days because the laboratory must allow time for yeast to grow. The exact timing depends on the organism and the specimen being tested.
Does this test show which medicine will work best?
Not always. Culture identifies the yeast, but antifungal susceptibility testing may need to be ordered separately to determine how sensitive the organism is to available medicines.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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