Fungus Culture – Reference Identification

Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested Required Requisition(s) Specimen Type Minimum Volume Collection Kit

Fungus reference identification

Submit only pure cultures

N/A

N/A

Submission and Collection Notes

1

Submit only pure cultures of fungi. Indicate the presumptive/possible identification of the fungus in question.

2

Submit isolates on fungal media that support the growth of the isolate.

3

Consult Mycology Laboratory at 647-792-3288 when sending Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis or Histoplasma capsulatum prior to shipping.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Place specimen in a biohazard bag and seal. Store growth on fungal media at room temperature or 28-30°C until submitted. Specimens should be shipped to the lab ASAP.

 

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Fungus culture specimen testing is done daily Monday to Friday.

Turnaround Time: Dependent on the organism(s). Turnaround time is up to 16 days.

Test Methods

Fungus culture identification uses various methods, including microscopic morphology, biochemical reactions, growth temperature and culture characteristics. MALDI-TOF and Molecular methods may be used when needed.

Identification of Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Coccicioides immitis/posadasii are performed using Gen-Probe AccuProbe Confirmation Kits.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

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Laboratory Services

customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca

Updated 20 July 2020