Fungal Blood Culture




Test Mnemonic

HISTCL

Primary CPT Codes

  • 87103 - QTY (1), Culture, Fungal Isolation, Blood
  • 87015 - QTY (1), Processing, Fluid Concentration

Variable CPT Codes (dependent on findings)

  • 87107 - QTY (1), Identification, Mold
  • 87153 - QTY (1), Identification, Nucleic Acid Sequencing
  • 87106 - QTY (1), Identification, Yeast
  • 87186 - QTY (1), Susceptibility, Mult-antimicrobial Sensititre

LOINC ®

11475-1

Aliases

  • Culture, Fungus Blood
  • Histoplasma Blood Culture

Performing Laboratory

Cleveland Clinic Laboratories


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
1 - 2 mLBone marrowSodium or Lithium heparin (Green)AmbientAmbientDraw 1-2 mL bone marrow and collect into a Sodium or Lithium heparin (Green) tube
10 mLWhole bloodSodium or Lithium heparin (Green)AmbientAmbientFor adult patients, the specimen volume is 10 mL. For pediatric patients, the specimen volume is 1 - 10 mL, depending on the weight of the patient.

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
5 mL    For blood specimens
1 mL    For bone marrow specimens

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
Ambient72 hours
Refrigerated72 hours
FrozenUnacceptable

Days Performed

Sun - Sat

Turnaround Time

5 weeks

Methodology

Name Description
Culture 

Special Info

If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge. Identification CPT codes that may apply include: 87106, 87107, 87153. Antimicrobial susceptibilities are performed when indicated, and CPT code 87186 would apply.

Clinical Info

Fungal blood cultures should only be ordered to identify an infection due to fungi in blood or bone marrow specimens. A single negative culture does not rule out the presence of fungal infection. Blood cultures for fungi should ideally be drawn prior to the administration of antifungals. Identification of positive cultures will be performed utilizing current methodologies and additional charges may apply.