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Test ID: FBL    
Fungal Culture, Blood

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

Blood is inoculated into MycoF Lytic (Becton Dickinson) and Isolator (Wampole) tubes. Continuously monitored blood culture instruments provide for the detection of bloodstream infections due to most Candida species and Cryptococcus species. The Isolator tube contains saponin to lyse the blood cells, enabling the release of intracellular organisms. Centrifugation generates a concentrated layer of organisms that is inoculated onto solid media for recovery of fungi and this appears to be the most sensitive method for recovery of Histoplasma capsulatum, other dimorphic fungi, and filamentous fungi.(Sutton DA: Specimen Collection, Transport, and Processing: Mycology. In Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 9th Edition, Edited by Murray PR, Baron EJ, Jorgensen JH, et al. ASM Press, Washington DC. 2007, pp 1728-1736)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Sunday; Varies

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

30 days/positive cultures reported as soon as detected.

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

33 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

24 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester