Fungus Culture – Eye
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 Requirements
| Test Requested | Required Requisition(s) | Specimen Type | Minimum Volume | Collection Kit |
Fungus culture |
Biopsy, corneal scrapings, enucleation, ulcers, keratitis, intraocular fluid, vitreous/aqueos eye fluid, lacrimal gland/canal, anterior chamber fluid, washing fluid |
Sterile Container |
Submission and Collection Notes
Indicate right or left eye and relevant clinical information on the General Test Requisition Form.
Swabs are not suitable specimen.
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 specimen at room temperature. Specimens should be shipped to the PHO laboratory ASAP where possible.
Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)
The Fungus Culture test is set up daily Monday to Friday.
Turnaround Time for microscopy: 1 day
Turnaround Time for culture: up to 28 days
Fungus culture and microscopy:
- Fungal Culture - for filamentous fungi and yeast.
- Microscopy will be done if there is sufficient specimen received.
- Microscopy - Calcofluor white
- Identification of fungal isolates from culture is performed using various methods including microscopic morphology, biochemical reactions, and growth temperature and cultural characteristics. Molecular methods will be used when needed.
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