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Fungus Culture, Blood  

 
IMPORTANT! Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Local or State Health Department. Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.

NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see NUlirt Guide).

Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing will not be performed without all required information.

Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.

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Test: Fungus Culture, Blood
Order in NUlirt or complete NPHL Test Order Form  
Synonym: Fungal Blood Culture, Blood for fungus  
Method: Standard reference procedures for culture and identification of mold/yeast. DNA probes available as indicated.  
Availability: Test performed Daily  
Specimen: Draw aseptically per Blood Culture Collection procedure. Wipe off top of Blood culture bottle with alcohol wipe and let dry. Collect blood into Bactec Mycolytic/F bottle (red label).  Transport to lab immediately.   
Collection Device: Bactec Mycolytic/F bottle (red label) 
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers and specimen source on container.  
Volume: 3-5mL blood for adults; 1-3mL blood for pediatrics.  
Storage/Transport:

Prior to and during shipment: Ambient 15-25°C 


Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.
Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope) with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container filled with frozen gel-packs to keep specimen refrigerated. Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape.  Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.  
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.

 
Unacceptable: Blood collected in EDTA/Lavender tube, Heparin/Green tube and coagulated blood samples.  
Specimen Stability: Stable at Ambient 15-25°C for 72h  
Reference Interval: Negative results available at 7d and final negative at 30d; Positive results will be reported as soon as detected.  
Reportable Disease: Positive fungal results within appropriate timeframe. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases  
Comments: Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu
Notification of positive results is provided. For primary isolation of systemic filamentous fungi and yeast including Malassezia furfur. Yeast can also be detected in routine aerobic/anaerobic blood cultures. Add in order comment if particular yeast or mold is suspected. One fungal culture order is recommended per 24h period. Bactec Mycolytic/F bottle (red label) is available upon request. When both fungal and AFB orders are placed for blood, collect a Bactec Mycolytic/F bottle for each (2 bottles).

NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen.
   
Revised: 6/9/2021 
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.

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