Fungal Culture Hair, Skin, Nails




Test Mnemonic

ACFSC

CPT Codes

  • 87101 - QTY (1)

LOINC ®

580-1

Aliases

  • Dermatophyte Culture
  • Fungal Culture Dermal
  • Mold Culture
  • Yeast Culture

Performing Laboratory

Cleveland Clinic Laboratories


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
UnspecifiedHairSterile container AmbientHair samples should include the shaft. Thoroughly cleanse area with alcohol. Preferred volume is 10 - 12 hairs. Do not refrigerate; avoid moisture
UnspecifiedNailsSterile container AmbientPlease cleanse area with alcohol and collect from deep in the nail bed with the outermost edge discarded. A specimen from beneath the nail is preferred. Do not refrigerate; avoid moisture

Alternate Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
UnspecifiedSkinSterile container AmbientPlease cleanse area with alcohol. Skin scales should be scraped with a blade and placed into a sterile container. Do not refrigerate; avoid moisture
UnspecifiedOtherSterile container AmbientScalp is an acceptable specimen type. Use a sterile container. Scrape scalp using a sterile small brush. Place scrapings into a sterile container and submit to lab. Do not refrigerate; avoid moisture

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
Ambient2 weeks
RefrigeratedUnacceptable
FrozenUnacceptable

Days Performed

Sun - Sat

Turnaround Time

6 weeks

Methodology

Name Description
Culture 

Reference Range

Fungal Culture
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       No fungal growth 

Special Info

Hair, skin, nail and scalp are the only acceptable specimen types. For other sources, please use order code FCUL for culture only or FCULSM when requesting both fungal culture and smear. Test includes culture for yeasts and molds. If culture is positive for yeast or mold, identification will be performed on potential fungal pathogens at an additional charge. Identification CPT codes that may apply include: 87106, 87107, 87153. Antimicrobial susceptibilities will be performed when requested, and CPT code 87186 would apply.

Clinical Info

Culture only to various selective agar media selected for optimal growth and recovery of dermatophytes and other fungal pathogens. Fungal smear is not included. If desired, order Fungal Culture and Smear Hair, Skin, Nails (FHSNSM).