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 mL | Bone marrow | Sodium or Lithium heparin (Green) | Ambient | Ambient | Draw 1-2 mL bone marrow and collect into a Sodium or Lithium heparin (Green) tube |
| 10 mL | Whole blood | Sodium or Lithium heparin (Green) | Ambient | Ambient | For 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 |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
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.
Reflex Tests
The following additional test(s) may be ordered depending on results: