CPT/HCPCS
87101
Order Code
CH490
Turnaround Time
7-10 days
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Source
Basal potions of infected hairs, scrapings from the active, peripheral edge of lesions, and scrapings from recently invaded nail tissue.
Transport Container
(Specimen Container)
(Specimen Container)
eSwab, Sterile leak proof container, Dry swab in sterile container
Preferred Specimens
eSwab, Sterile leak proof container, Dry swab in sterile container
Collection Instructions
(Transport Temperature)
(Transport Temperature)
Transport at Room Temperature
Specimen Stability
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | Transport swab: 72 hours Hair, skin and nail specimens: 14 days |
| Refrigerated | Transport swab: 72 hours Hair, skin and nail specimens: 14 days |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Special 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
Test Details
Methodology
Fungal isolation and identification
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.
