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Fungus Culture, Skin, Hair or Nail (088-0014 and 088-0019)
Test Mnemonic:

F FUN

Specimen Requirements:
Test Included:

Fungal culture and Direct sample exam (KOH)

Collection:

Use a sterile scalpel to scrape skin lesions. Collect hair and base of hair roots for scalp shavings. Collect nail scrapings and material from nail bed.

Container:

Place scrapings or nails in a sealed, clean container

Minimum Volume:

Collect 10-15 hairs for scalp or more than 0.5 grams of scrapings

Storage/Transport:

Room temperature

Stability:

48 hours

Causes for Rejection:

Swabs are not accepted for this culture type.

Specimen container unlabeled or labeled incorrectly. No date and time of collection on requisition form.

Reference Range:

No growth

Turnaround Time:

Cultures are held 3 weeks

Methodology:

Includes KOH preparation, then culture for the isolation and identification of yeasts, dermatophytes and fungus

Performed:

Clinical Microbiology

Synonyms:

Fungus Culture, skin; Fungus Culture, hair; Fungus Culture, Nail scrapings, Dermatophyte culture

Clinical Indication:

Superficial skin infection with a fungus

CPT 4 Code:

87102 - culture, 87205 - KOH prep, additional codes if appropriate

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient. Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually. The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-10 code or its verbal equivalent.
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