Fungus Culture – Cerebrospinal Fluid

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. Please notify the laboratory if urgent samples are being sent.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Fungus culture is set up daily Monday to Friday.

Turnaround Time for microscopy: 1 day from receipt by PHO laboratory

Turnaround Time for culture: negative cultures are held for up to 28 days

Identification of isolates: dependent on organism(s)

Fungus culture and microscopy:

• Fungal culture: Identification uses various methods, including microscopic morphology, biochemical reactions, and growth temperature and culture characteristics. Molecular methods will be used when needed.
• Microscopy uses Calcofluor White Stain. 
• Full identification will be performed on all isolates.

Reporting

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

References

LAB-SD-050, Systemic Mycoses – Change in Specimen Submission Guidelines

LAB-SD-131, Candida auris reference identification and susceptibility testing