Detection and identification of fungal organisms in bone marrow
Microbiology
Mycology
○ 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)
○ Bone marrow aspirate: Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) tube (yellow top tube) ○ Bone marrow biopsy: sterile container
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.
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ Up to 28 days
416-586-4800 extension 4495
○ NO; but laboratory should be notified if dimorphic fungal organism suspected
○ 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