Detection and identification of fungal organisms in clinical specimens
Microbiology
Mycology
○ Abscess/Pus/Wounds
○ Skin ulcers/biopsy
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
Wounds ○ For abscesses/lesions, collect pus/exudate using a syringe, a swab should not be used except for in extreme situations with difficult collections. If wound swab is to be used, you should choose an area with no scabs about 1 cm of deep tissue preferred and swab the whole area avoiding skin debris
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ Up to 28 days
416-586-4800 extension 4499
○ 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.