Culture, Fungus, Skin, Hair or Nails [39515X]

Test Code

7998

CPT Codes
87101

Includes

If culture is positive, then identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87106 or 87107).

If the organism cannot be identified by the original method or if there are multiple organisms, identification by DNA sequencing may be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87153).

Preferred Specimen

Any amount of basal portions of infected hairs, scrapings from the active, peripheral edge of lesions and scrapings from recently invaded nail tissue collected in a sterile, leak-proof container, or
Dry swab collected in a sterile container, or
Swab collected in a bacterial transport medium

Minimum Volume

Any amount • 1 swab

Instructions

Remove hairs with forceps, scrape skin or scalp scales, clip nails and include keratin scrapings. Cleanse skin with alcohol before scraping. Cleanse feet and hands before collecting nails. Refrigeration is not recommended because it can inhibit dermatophytes.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Sterile container
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: See instructions
Frozen: Unacceptable

Transport swab
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: See instructions
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Specimens other than hair, skin or nails • Specimens transported in alcohol or formalin

Methodology
Fungal Culture, Isolation and Identification

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 28-42 days

Clinical Significance

Fungi cause many types of infections, some of which may become serious, especially in immunocompromised and hospitalized patients. The appropriate collection, transport and processing of specimens allows the recovery of fungal organisms and the association of a specific fungus with a disease process.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.