Detection and identification of fungal organisms in clinical specimens
Microbiology
Mycology
○ Urine
Other Information
○ Swabs are not acceptable specimens for fungal culture ○ 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)
Sterile container
Urine ○ Clean urethral meatus. Void and discard the first 10 - 20 mL of urine in order to clear the urethra. Collect the subsequent urine into a clean, sterile container. Other types of urine specimens are acceptable depending on the clinical status of the patient.
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ Up to 28 days
416-586-4800 extension 4498
○ 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.