Fungal Culture
FC
Description
"Fungal Culture" test analyzes samples of skin, nails, hair, or bodily fluids to detect fungal infections. It’s commonly ordered for symptoms like rashes, nail discoloration, or fatigue that may indicate deeper infections. Collected samples are placed in a growth medium to identify the fungus involved. Results help diagnose conditions like athlete’s foot, yeast infections, or systemic fungal illness. This test supports tailored antifungal care and is especially useful when infections persist or don’t respond to standard treatment.
Category
Microbes
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Urine | Skin | Nail | Blood – Serum | Fluid | Tissue
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Blood Draw, Swab, Collect, Grow
Test Group
Microbial Assessment Group, Infection Group
Test Group Description
Microbial Assessment Group: Tests in this group analyze microbial presence and activity in various samples, offering insights into microbial populations and their impact on health. They help identify specific microorganisms, assess microbial diversity, and evaluate microbial functions in different environments. Infection Group: Tests within this group detect markers indicative of various infections, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Aspergillosis (Fungal infection caused by Aspergillus)
Candidemia (Presence of Candida yeast in the bloodstream)
Candidiasis (Yeast infection caused by Candida species)
Candiduria (Presence of Candida yeast in the urine)
Disseminated histoplasmosis (Systemic infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum)
Fung...
Key Reasons For Testing
Diagnosis of Fungal Infections: Fungal culture tests identify specific fungal pathogens, enabling accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Treatment Guidance: Results guide the selection of effective antifungal medications, optimizing infection management.
Monitoring Treatment Response: Tracks fungal growth to evaluate therapy effectiveness and adjust treatment as needed.
Detection of Colonization: Identifies asymptomatic fungal colonization in at-risk individuals, offering insights into the potential for invasive infections.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Forbes BA, Sahm DF, Weissfeld AS. Bailey & Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology. 13th ed. St Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2014.
[2] Dignani MC, Anaissie E. Human fusariosis. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2004;10(Suppl 1):67-75.
[3] Pfaller MA, Diekema DJ. Epidemiology of invasive candidiasis: a persistent public health problem. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2007;20(1):133-163.
[4] Arendrup MC. Epidemiology of invasive candidiasis. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2010;16(5):445-452.
[5] Badiee P, Hashemizadeh Z. Opportunistic invasive fungal infections: diagnosis & clinical management. Indian J Med Res. 2014;139(2):195-204.
[6] Verweij PE, Brandt ME. Molecular diagnostics for fungal infections: an update. Curr Fungal Infect Rep.2007;1(1):22-27.
[7] Sigler L, Gibas CFC, Summerbell RC, Sutton DA, Noel RK. Fungal Identification and Clinical Applications. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018.
[8] Walsh TJ, Anaissie EJ, Denning DW, et al. Treatment of aspergillosis: clinical practice guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2008;46(3):327-360.
[9] Perfect JR, Cox GM, Lee JY, et al. The impact of culture isolation of Aspergillus species: a hospital-based survey of aspergillosis. Clin Infect Dis. 2001;33(11):1824-1833.
[10] Pappas PG, Kauffman CA, Andes D, et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of candidiasis: 2009 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2009;48(5):503-535.
[11] Schelenz S, Abdolrasouli A, Gray G, et al. Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of invasive fungal diseases in a mixed cancer centre and transplantation unit. Mycoses. 2013;56(4):449-458.
[12] Chander J. Textbook of Medical Mycology. 3rd ed. New Delhi: Mehta Publishers; 2009.
[13] Patterson TF, Thompson GR, Denning DW, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of aspergillosis: 2016 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;63(4).
[14] Balajee SA, Sigler L, Brandt ME. DNA and the classical way: identification of medically important molds in the 21st century. Med Mycol. 2007;45(6):475-490.
[15] Sutton DA, Fothergill AW, Rinaldi MG. Guide to Clinically Significant Fungi. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins; 2001.