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Test Methodology |
Identification of mold species by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and/or fungal ITS sequencing
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Reflex Testing
Criteria |
Reflex to fungal ITS sequencing if species ID is not resolved by MALDI-TOF. May reflex send-out to CDC if ID is not resolved by ITS sequencing.
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Pre-Approval Required |
No
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Supplemental
Information and Required Form(s) |
Barcode submittal form 448 “Fungus Culture for Identification” or instructions for using the MDL Lab Web Portal (LWP) can be found at:
MDL Submission Instructions and Forms.
Instructions on completing the form at
MDL Form 448
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Required Specimen Type(s)
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Pure culture on solid media from human source only.
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Minimum Volume Required |
Not Applicable
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Specimen Stability
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Room Temperature: acceptable
Refrigerated: acceptable
Frozen: DO NOT freeze
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Rejection Criteria
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- Samples with insufficient or conflicting labelling
- Leaking samples
- Fungal cultures sent on petri plates
- Nonviable cultures
- Mixed cultures
- Specimen/sample types not meeting acceptance criteria
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Storage/Transport Conditions
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Grow isolate under appropriate conditions and verify purity prior to shipping.
Isolates may be stored under refrigeration or at ambient temperature prior to shipping.
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Transport Medium,
if applicable
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DO NOT submit mold isolates on petri plates due to safety concerns. Solid media in tube or flask with tightened screw cap and taped is preferable for submission.
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Specimen Labeling |
Two identifiers, including patient full name, and at least one other identifier (specimen accession number, date of birth, medical record number).
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Shipping Instructions and Specimen Handling Requirements
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Ship cultures at ambient temperature (do not freeze).
Follow the appropriate DOT/IATA approved shipping procedures. All the suspected
Coccidioides cultures should be shipped as a Category A Infectious Substance, Affecting Humans (UN2814).
Ensure that culture isolates are sent in media flask or tubes containing a screw-top cap that is additionally sealed with parafilm or tape for additional protection against leaking.
Ship to: California Department of Public Health
Microbial Diseases Laboratory
ATTN: Mycology Unit
C/O Specimen Receiving Room B106
850 Marina Bay Parkway,
Richmond, CA 94804
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Specimen Collection Instructions, if applicable
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Not Applicable |
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Turnaround Time |
14 days
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Interferences & Limitations |
Not Applicable
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Reference Range |
Not Applicable
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Additional Information |
Please contact the MDL Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Parasitic Diseases Section for special consideration if any of the above criteria cannot be met.
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MDL Point of Contact |
For questions regarding submissions, please email
CDPHMDLMMP@cdph.ca.gov or call the MMPDS Section at (510) 412-3926
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