Specimen

Submit Skin/Nail scrapings/Hair (including root) /CSF/Body fluid/Sputum/Bronchial washings / Tissue in a sterile screw capped container OR 2 mL Whole blood / Bone marrow in 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube. Ship at 18–22°C OR Oral/Genital/Wound Swabs in 0.5 mL sterile normal saline. Ship refrigerated.

Usage

Fungal infections are more common in immunocompromised patients. Direct examination provides an immediate early presumptive diagnosis and initiation of antifungal therapy.