Specimen Requirements

Systemic mycosis: Systemic mycotic infections may involve any of the internal organs of the body, as well as lymph nodes, bone, subcutaneous tissue, and skin.

 

Requisition:

1. The requisition is completed with the necessary patient information and the test requested. Give as much information as possible.

2. If a direct examination is requested, a Gram stain or KOH prep should be ordered.

 

Collection of specimen:

Specimen source is required.

 

Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.

 

Specimen Type: Sputum

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: 3-5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect expectorated sputum of a 1 day early-morning collection before eating and after vigorous rinsing of the mouth with water after brushing teeth.

2. Lesser volumes of induced sputum are also acceptable.

3. Label container with patient’s name (first and last) and date and time of collection.

4. The specimen should be brought to the laboratory immediately and given to a technician for immediate attention.

 

Specimen Type: Biopsy

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

1. Label container with patient’s name (first and last) and date and time of collection.

2. The specimen should be brought to the laboratory immediately and given to a technician for immediate attention.

 

Specimen Type: Body fluid

Sources: Pleural, CSF, thoracentesis

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions:

1. Label container with patient’s name (first and last) and date and time of collection.

2. The specimen should be brought to the laboratory immediately and given to a technician for immediate attention.

 

Specimen Rejection:

1. Sputums of poor quality (watery-saliva)

2. Fluids that are old, not properly stored, or their sterility compromised

 

Reports:

If a KOH prep is ordered, the report will be completed within 72 hours.  The final report of a fungus culture is delayed for six weeks.  A positive fungus culture will be reported when identified and a preliminarty report is issued.