Culture, Fungus, Skin, Hair or Nails

Test Code

39515

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.
Yeast Identification (CPT Code(s): 87106) and/or Mold Identification (CPT Code(s): 87107).

Preferred Specimen

Basal portions of infected hairs, scrapings from the active, peripheral edge of lesions and scrapings from recently invaded nail tissue

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 Container

Sterile leak-proof container
Dry swab in sterile container
Swab in bacterial transport medium

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

Methodology
Fungal Culture, Isolation and Identification

Setup Schedule

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.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA

33608 Ortega Highway

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

Last Updated: November 6, 2024

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.