Test ID: FS
Fungal Smear
Method Description 
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
Calcofluor white, a fluorescent textile brightener, nonspecifically binds with chitin in the cell wall of fungi. Examination of stained specimens using fluorescent microscopy allows for the detection of fungi due to the fluorescence of calcofluor white present on the fungal cell wall. Potassium hydroxide is added to hasten clearing of viscous specimens, and Evans blue is added to prevent nonspecific fluorescence. (Merz WG, Roberts GD: Detection and recovery of fungi in clinical specimens. In Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 9th edition. Edited by PR Murray, EJ Baron, MA Pfaller, et al. Washington DC, ASM Press, 1995)
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; Continuously
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.
1 day
Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
2 days
Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
Raw specimen saved 2-14 days.
Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test
Rochester
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