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Candida Species Identification Panel, Specimen — Culture

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A culture test that grows yeast from a specimen and identifies the Candida species present.

Quick summary

["This test helps determine whether Candida is present and, when needed, identify the species to guide treatment."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
100903-4
Short code
Yst+Candida sp ID Pnl Spec Cult
Synonyms
Yst+Candida sp ID Pnl Spec Cult
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
organism-specific-culture
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 checks a specimen for Candida yeast. The specimen is cultured in the laboratory so any yeast that grows can be identified to the species level.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may order this test when Candida could be causing an infection or when yeast is found and needs further identification. The results may help distinguish infection from colonization and guide antifungal treatment.

How is the test performed?

A clinician or laboratory collects a specimen from the area being evaluated. The laboratory processes it on special culture media and examines any growth to determine whether Candida is present and identify its species.

How do I prepare for the test?

Preparation depends on the specimen type, so follow your clinician's collection instructions carefully. Tell the clinician about any antifungal medicines you have recently used, because they may reduce the chance of yeast growing in the culture.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive result may indicate Candida infection, but it can also represent normal colonization, particularly when the specimen comes from a nonsterile area. Interpretation depends on the specimen source, symptoms, and other laboratory findings. Identifying the Candida species may help the clinician select or confirm antifungal treatment.

Short name

Candida culture and identification

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive Candida culture always mean I have an infection?
No. Candida is commonly present on the skin and in some body sites, so a positive result may represent colonization rather than disease. Your clinician will interpret it with the specimen type and your symptoms.
Why is the Candida species identified?
Different Candida species may respond differently to antifungal medicines. Species identification can therefore help guide treatment when a Candida infection is suspected.
What if the culture is negative?
A negative result means Candida was not detected in the specimen tested. However, recent antifungal use, limited amounts of infection, or other testing methods may affect whether it is detected.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy