A fungal culture test is performed to detect a fungal infection. The test can be helpful in identifying specific fungi. There are many types of fungi, but only a few varieties can cause severe infections in people. Fungal infections can affect your nails, mucous membranes, hair, or skin. Fungi can also cause infections in your lungs, urinary tract, mouth, throat, and many other body parts. You have a higher chance of having fungal infections if your immune system weakens. Some superficial fungal infections, like ringworm, can easily spread from one person to another through direct contact. Therefore, it is important to detect the fungal infection at an earlier stage so that you can get rid of the infection with the right treatment. 

What is Fungal Culture Test? 

A fungal culture test is performed to detect a fungal infection. The test can be helpful in identifying specific fungi. There are many types of fungi, but only a few varieties can cause severe infections in people. Fungal infections can affect your nails, mucous membranes, hair, or skin. Fungi can also cause infections in your lungs, urinary tract, mouth, throat, and many other body parts. You have a higher chance of having fungal infections if your immune system weakens. Some superficial fungal infections, like ringworm, can easily spread from one person to another through direct contact. Therefore, it is important to detect the fungal infection at an earlier stage so that you can get rid of the infection with the right treatment.  

In addition to detecting the presence of a fungal infection, a fungal culture test can also help your doctor identify which type of fungi is causing the infection.  This test can be used to identify both systematic and superficial fungal infections. Your healthcare provider may also order this test to determine if the treatment is effective.  

What is the Purpose of the Fungal Culture Test?

The fungal culture test is done to diagnose fungal infection. This test will tell your doctor which fungus species is causing the infection. This clarity allows them to prescribe the best antifungal treatment for your infection. But in some cases, the test may not detect a fungal infection because of incorrect sample collection, usage of antifungal medications before the test, or very slow growth of the fungal organisms. If the test does not show any fungus, your healthcare provider may perform further tests to determine what is causing the symptoms. 

What Does Fungal Culture Test Diagnose? 

The fungal culture test is used for the diagnosis of fungal infection. It can be used to diagnose both systemic and superficial fungal infections and can help your doctor tailor your treatments according to the results. Fungal infections can range from serious deep tissue, lung, blood, or systemic diseases to superficial skin infections. The fungal culture test can also identify the fungus that is causing infection. But remember, fungal elements can be difficult to find if the tissue is inflamed, so a negative test result doesn't rule out the possibility of fungal infection. Many fungi grow slowly, so it may take weeks to get the results.  

Why Do You Need a Fungal Culture Test? 

You need a fungal culture test to find out if you have a fungal infection. Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have the following symptoms:
 

• Brittle or thick nails. 
• Discoloration of the nails or skin. 
• Drainage or discharge. 
• White patches inside your mouth. 
• Itchy skin and rashes 
• Skin redness 
• Scaling and inflamed skin 
• Raised patches 
• Vaginal discharge 
• Sputum 
   

Symptoms of more serious fungal infection may include: 
 

• Chills and headache 
• Fast heartbeat 
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or cough 
• Secretion of fluid from your eyes 
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The degree of symptoms will entirely depend on the fungus causing the infection and your immune health. 
 

Preparation and Procedure Required for a Fungal Culture Test 

You don't need special preparations before a fungal culture test. You should stop applying any antifungal cream as it can alter the test result. You should also inform your doctor if you're taking any antifungal medication, as they can interfere with the accuracy of the test results. It is also important to follow all the instructions of your doctor while undergoing this test.  

For a fungal culture test, the technician will take a sample of fluid or cells from the part of your body that seems to be infected by the fungi. Let's look at the common types of fungal tests: 

Swab test 

It is used to detect yeast infections in your vagina or mouth. This test can also be used for the diagnosis of certain skin infections. 

How it's done: 

The technician will use a swab to collect fluid or fluid from your vagina, an open skin sore, or your mouth. 

Skin or nail scraping 

This test is performed for the diagnosis of superficial nail or skin infections. 

How it's done: 

The technician will take a small sample of your nails or skin using a special tool. In a few cases, you may even need a skin biopsy. 

Blood Test 

This test is used to detect fungi in your blood. A blood test is often used for the diagnosis of serious fungal infections in your body.

How it's done: 

A technician will collect your blood sample from the nerves (not nerves VEINS) in your arm.  

Urine Test 

This test is also performed to diagnose serious infections. It can also be done to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection.

How it is done: 

For this test, you will have to collect a sterile urine sample in a container, as per the instruction of your provider. 

Sputum Culture 

This test helps in diagnosing fungal infections in your lungs. 

How it's done: 

During this test, you'll be asked to cough up thick sputum in a container. 

The sample will be sent to the laboratory for further analysis. You may get the results after a few weeks because the sample needs time to grow. 

Understanding the Fungal Culture Test Results 

If fungi are detected in your sample, you have a fungal infection. Sometimes more tests are required to find the right medication for your treatment. These tests are called susceptibility or sensitivity tests. You must consult your doctor to understand the correct meaning of your test results.