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Culture, Fungus, Skin, Hair or Nails
Test Code39515
CPT Codes
87101
Includes
If culture is positive, ID will be performed at an additional charge. DNA Sequencing and Direct Probe are additional ID methods. If the organism cannot be identified by the original method or if there are multiple organisms, either may be performed at an additional charge. Possible add on codes: 90272, 92265, 90273, 92267, 92268.
Preferred Specimen
Basal portions of infected hairs or Scrapings from the active, peripheral edge of lesions or Scrapings from recently invaded nail tissue in a sterile leak-proof container or Swab in bacterial transport medium
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
Transport swabs
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: See Collection Instructions
Frozen: Unacceptable
Hair, skin and nail specimens
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: See Collection Instructions
Frozen: Unacceptable
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: See Collection Instructions
Frozen: Unacceptable
Hair, skin and nail specimens
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: See Collection Instructions
Frozen: Unacceptable
Methodology
Fungal Culture, Isolation and Identification
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: 4-6 weeks
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.
