Fungi - detection (ITS PCR)

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Molecular detection of fungi in culture-negative clinical specimens
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Bacteriology
Specimen Type	○ Any specimen submitted to UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory for fungal culture that is culture negative after 28 days but fungal elements have been seen on stain

Other Information

○ This test is available only in specific clinical situations (e.g. organisms seen in fungal stain from sterile site specimen but failed to grow in culture, specimen collected after administration of systemic antifungals)

○ Consult with the medical microbiologist on call at UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory to determine if this test can be ordered

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Fresh specimen: sterile container
○ Fixed/paraffin embedded block

Collection Requirements

○ Depending of the specimen type

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

Sick Kids

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Within 14 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4501

Approval Required

YES

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory will facilitate the transfer of primary specimens to the Hospital for Sick Children