What is a Fungal Culture Test?
A Fungal Culture Test is a laboratory test used to detect fungus in a sample taken from a person’s body. The test can be used to diagnose, treat, and manage different types of fungal infections. It can also be used to help find the cause of symptoms and help track a patient’s progress following treatment.
Preparation for Fungal Culture Test
Before taking a Fungal Culture Test, the patient should be advised to avoid contact with any recent skin sores, cuts, or scrapes. If the patient is taking antifungal medications, they should be discontinued for two weeks before the test. Patients should also avoid using creams, lotions, cosmetics, and deodorants for at least 24 hours prior to the test.
Procedure for Fungal Culture Test
The patient’s sample will usually be taken from the skin, nails, hair, or mucous membrane. An area of the body will be swabbed with a sterile cotton swab and the swab will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The sample will then be placed onto a special medium that is designed to grow fungus. Depending on the type of test being done, different types of medium may be used.
Types of Fungal Culture Test
The most common type of Fungal Culture Test is the Sabouraud’s agar test, which is used to identify dermatophyte fungi, which include ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. The culture can also be used to detect yeast and mould infections.
Risks of Fungal Culture Test
The Fungal Culture Test is considered to be a safe and noninvasive procedure, and there are no known risks associated with the test.
Why is a Fungal Culture Test done?
A Fungal Culture Test is commonly used to diagnose, treat, and manage fungal infections. It can also help to identify the cause of symptoms and track a patient’s progress following treatment.
When is a Fungal Culture Test done?
A Fungal Culture Test may be recommended by a doctor if they suspect a patient has a fungal infection. The test can also be used to monitor the progress of a patient’s treatment and to ensure that the infection has cleared up.