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
Avoid contamination of the specimen with commensal organisms as much as possible. Specify the source of the specimen and include any pertinent clinical information. The test cannot be performed on blood samples.
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
- 21003-9
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.