Fungal culture - Bone Marrow

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Detection and identification of fungal organisms in bone marrow
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Mycology
Specimen Type	○ Bone marrow aspirate ○ Bone marrow biopsy

Other Information

○ Many fungal species are slow growing and require prolonged periods of incubation. PCR would not be performed unless fungal elements were seen on primary stain but an organism failed to grow in culture

○ Please notify the laboratory if a dimorphic fungi is suspected (indicate on the requisition and/or phone the laboratory)

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Bone marrow aspirate: Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) tube (yellow top tube)
○ Bone marrow biopsy: sterile container

Collection Requirements

Bone marrow aspirate:
○ Aspirate a minimum of 0.5mL but preferably 3mL of bone marrow aspirate into an SPS tube.
Bone marrow biopsy
○ Collect bone marrow biopsy and place in clean, sterile container.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

In-house

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 28 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4495

Approval Required

○ NO; but laboratory should be notified if dimorphic fungal organism suspected

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored at room temperature (20-25˚C) after collection and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP