Fungal culture, skin, Fungus Dermatophyte Culture, Ringworm

Standard reference procedure fungal dermatophyte culture.

Test performed Daily, Preliminary report at 2 weeks, final report at 4 weeks.

Hair, nails or skin scrapings

In a sterile container or clean envelope.
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers and specimen source on container.

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.

Non-human

Stable at Ambient 15-25°C

No fungi isolated.

Not Reportable

Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.

Notification of positive results for mold is provided. 

Indicate suspected organism(s) and specimen site in NUlirt. Additional patient history may be helpful. Include the patient's occupation, history of travel or residence abroad, and any animal contact.   Notification of positive results for mold is provided. For specimen types other than hair, nail, or skin, see Culture, Fungus.

NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen.