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Eligible Submitters |
Test is available to all pre-approved submitters within the state of California. It is preferred that submissions from clinical laboratories are routed through the corresponding county public health laboratories (PHL).
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Test Methodology
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Real-time PCR assay differentiates between
Coccidioides immitis and
Coccidioides posadasii.
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Reflex Testing
Criteria |
Isolates may be reflexed to MALDI-TOF and/or ITS sequencing if undetermined or negative by PCR for further identification.
Additional testing may be performed for surveillance or epidemiologic investigations; no clinical report will be issued for these purposes.
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Pre-Approval Required |
No
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Supplemental
Information and Required Form(s) |
Use
MDL Lab Web Portal for ordering the test, select “Test Requisition for Fungus Culture for Identification-448"
Test requested:
Coccidioides PCR
For submitters who do not have access to the MDL LWP; please contact
MDL.Submissions@CDPH.ca.gov for additional information.
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Required Specimen Type(s)
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Suspected
Coccidioides species. Pure culture on solid media from human sources. Mixed and contaminated cultures are not acceptable
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Minimum Volume Required |
Not Applicable
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Specimen Stability
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Ambient Temperature (2°- 25°C): acceptable
Refrigerated (2°- 8°C): acceptable
Frozen (0°C and below): DO NOT freeze
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Rejection Criteria
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- Samples with insufficient or conflicting labelling
- Leaking samples
- Suspected
Coccidioides cultures sent on Petri dish
- Mixed or contaminated cultures
- Samples received at inappropriate temperature
- Specimen/sample types not meeting acceptance criteria
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Storage/Transport Conditions
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Grow isolates 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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Not Applicable |
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Specimen Labeling |
Testing subject to CLIA regulations. Minimum label requirement on the specimen includes patient name and one other identifier (e.g. preferably submitter sample ID, or patient medical record number, or patient date of birth) on the specimen container and the test requisition.
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Shipping Instructions and Specimen Handling Requirements
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Ship cultures at ambient (2° - 25°C) or refrigerated (2-8°C) temperature. Do not freeze. Use of cold packs for packaging is recommended.
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 |
3 days
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Interferences & Limitations |
Contaminating organisms or heavy pigmentation from the fungal culture can interfere with the PCR assay and yield negative results.
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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 |
Mycobacterial, Mycotic, and Parasitic Diseases Section (510) 412-3926
Monday–Friday 8 AM to 5 PM PT
Email:
CDPHMDLMMP@cdph.ca.gov
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