Assay results: interpretation Flucytosine Please clearly label all high risk samples. Guidelines for antifungal drug monitoring Oral flucytosine Urgent results can be telephoned to laboratories on request if youРІР‚в„ўve provided an appropriate contact name and current telephone number on the request form. Laboratory turnaround times are from receipt of sample.Р”Р„ll reports are sent by first class mail. supply 1 to 2 mL serum taken at the appropriate times and labelled accordingly.contact the laboratory before submitting samples for amphotericin B or fluconazole assays, as their measurement is not often indicated.send samples for Beta 1-3 Glucan determination to the MRL within 48 hours.supply 1 to 2 mL of serum (donРІР‚в„ўt send whole blood).only send slopes of cultures and donРІР‚в„ўt wait for the organisms to start to sporulate.for hazard group 3 pathogens, alert the laboratory in advance, by phone, that youРІР‚в„ўre submitting a culture.send pure cultures on slopes rather than plates.Cultures for identification and susceptibility testing Package all samples securely, conforming to current postal regulations. Y2 form - diagnostic mycology and assays.Y1 form - mycology identification and susceptibility testing.Use the following request forms to submit isolates and clinical samples: Typing of common fungal pathogensР”Р„vailable for some Aspergillus and Candida species in outbreak situations. Where an associated health problem has been identified by a practitioner we may be able to undertake or advise on sampling. Diagnostic polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) on blood, fluids and tissue If infection with a hazard group 3 fungus is suspected we are happy to process primary specimens. Microscopy and culture of clinical specimens Beta 1-3 Glucan antigen detection for invasive fungal infections (this test has a very high negative predictive value).tests for Aspergillus (galactomannan), Candida (mannan) and Cryptococcus antigens.tests for antibodies to Aspergillus, Candida, Thermophilic actinomycetes (farmerРІР‚в„ўs lung) and avian allergens.Antifungal drug assaysР”В¬ontact the laboratory before sending samples for amphotericin or fluconazole assays. The following drug susceptibility testing may be requested:Р”Р„ntifungal drug susceptibility testing of moulds Referred tests (charged) Antifungal drug susceptibility testing of yeasts Pre-stained histology slides may be submitted to the laboratory for examination. Histological examination of referred slides Serological tests Serology of non-indigenous mycoses These tests are carried out as confirmatory tests for isolates producing equivocal or unexpected results. reference antifungal drug susceptibility testing of yeasts and moulds.help with the clinical management of individual cases.ensure you select the most appropriate test or specimen types for patients.The mycology reference laboratory ( MRL) provides advice by phone to:

Baystate reference laboratories