Lab Information Manual

Laboratory:

Clinical Microbiology

Test Name:

FUNGI, CULTURE, ALL SPECIMEN TYPES EXCLUDING BLOOD (E.G., CORNEAL SCRAPINGS/FLUID/TISSUE/BONE MARROW/GASTRIC WASHINGS)

Test Code: FUN, CSFF, BFUN, ORFU (SBH ONLY)

Clinical Information:

Test Indications:
Diagnosis of fungal infections (excluding blood).
Many environmental fungi (especially Aspergillus spp.) can cause disease in immunocompromised human hosts. Not surprisingly, the range of potential pathogenic fungi has increased as the number of immunosuppressed individuals has increased. Identification of fungi from various specimen types can help guide patient care. However, since fungi can be contaminants, colonizers, or pathogens correlation of the patient clinical condition with culture results is required for proper patient management.

Recommendations:
Indicate diagnosis on requisition.
When suspecting infection with systemic fungi (Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Pencillium marneffei, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis) notify laboratory in advance.
Indicate any recent antifungal therapy on requesting requisition
Samples and requisitions must be labeled/completed in accordance with the Shared Health Specimen Acceptance Policy.
Accurate patient identification must be made prior to sample collection. Patient identification should be done in accordance with the site policy.

Patient Preparation Instuctions:
Not applicable.

Collection Devices:

Preferred Device:

1 - Sterile Specimen Container (100 mL)

Sterile Specimen Container (100 mL)
Manufacturer:

Catalogue #:

Specimen Required:

All types of specimens accepted (except blood). (Adult and Pediatric)
If systemic fungal infection suspected biopsy of affected site is optimal.
Refer to specific sample type for optimal volumes (e.g., Cerebrospinal fluid ≥2 mL)

Referral:

Ensure samples that are being sent to a referral laboratory are packaged in accordance with Transport of Dangerous Goods recommendations for diagnostic samples.

Requisition:

_SH Microbiology - Provincial Requisition (R250-10-06)

Reference Values:

No fungus isolated

Result Reporting:
- Wet mount preparation results available same day.
- A preliminary report will be sent as necessary.
- Final negative report will be sent after 4 weeks.

Availability:

Daily