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MDL Test Order Fungal Identification: Coccidioides Real-Time PCR

microbial diseases laboratory branch

Test Name

Fungal Identification: Coccidioides Real Time PCR

Test Methodology	Real-time PCR assay differentiates between Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii.
Reflex Testing Criteria	Isolates may be reflexed to MALDI-TOF and/or ITS sequencing if undetermined or negative by PCR for further identification
Pre-Approval Required	No
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
Required Specimen Type(s)	Pure culture on solid media from human source. Mixed and contaminated cultures are not acceptable
Minimum Volume Required	Not Applicable
Specimen Stability	Room Temperature: acceptable Refrigerated: acceptable Frozen: DO NOT freeze
Rejection Criteria	Samples with insufficient or conflicting labelling Leaking samples Suspected Coccidioides cultures sent on Petri dish Mixed or contaminated cultures Specimen/sample types not meeting acceptance criteria
Storage/Transport Conditions	Grow isolate under appropriate conditions and verify purity prior to shipping. Isolates may be stored under refrigeration or at ambient temperature prior to shipping.
Transport Medium, if applicable	Not Applicable
Specimen Labeling	Two identifiers, including patient full name, and at least one other identifier (specimen accession number, date of birth, medical record number).
Shipping Instructions and Specimen Handling Requirements	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
Specimen Collection Instructions, if applicable	Not Applicable
Turnaround Time	3 days
Interferences & Limitations	Multiple or contaminating organisms or heavy pigmentation from fungal sample can interfere with the PCR assay and yield negative results.
Reference Range	Not Applicable
Additional Information	Please contact the MDL Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Parasitic Diseases Section for special consideration if any of the above criteria cannot be met.
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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