Fungus Stain
Also known as: Calcofluor, KOH
Use
Determine the presence or absence of fungal forms in clinical specimens submitted for direct microscopic exam
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Fungal stain (KOH/Calcofluor) cannot be performed on blood; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; specimen submitted in syringe with needle attached; specimen received after prolonged transport (usually more than 72 hours); inappropriate transport device; swab without evidence of specimen present; specimen received after leaking transport container into specimen bag. Ensure specimens are not contaminated and specify the source and clinical information.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 21003-9 - Fungus Spec Fungus Stn
- 21003-9 - Fungus Spec Fungus Stn
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
2 mL or 1 cm3 tissue, 10 mL blood, whole nails, 5-10 mL body fluids and BAL, 3-5 mL CSF, 5 mL aspirates or sputum
Minimum Volume
1 mL body fluid including BAL and CSF; aspirates or sputum
Container
Sterile leakproof container or swab
Collection Instructions
Biopsy: Surgical specimen in sterile container with sterile nonbacteriostatic water to prevent drying. Body fluid, aspirates: in sterile container. Skin and nails: Cleanse area with 70% alcohol; collect nail scraping from subsurface and skin from active lesion border. Hair: Epilate 10 to 12 hairs. Swabs: from throat, nose, nasopharynx, ear, vagina. Urine: Clean catch midstream. Wound: collect material or fluid, or scrape lesion border.
Patient Preparation
Usual sterile preparation
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Blood samples not accepted; unlabeled specimens; prolonged transport over 72 hours; use of lithium heparin tube; use of syringe with needle; contamination.
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant