Candida auris Colonization Screening

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure Number: N/A

Synonym(s):	*• Candidiasis, C. auris,* multidrug resistant yeast, Colonization screening, PCR, Culture**
Requisition Form	• G-2E
Test Description	• Detection of Candida auris from colonization screening swabs by real time PCR or culture
Pre-Approval Needed	• Yes; permission to submit a specimen for screening is first required from a DSHS HAI Epidemiologist • Email ICAR@dshs.texas.gov to schedule a screening • Specimen collection swabs and shipping supplies may be ordered by emailing TexasARLN@dshs.texas.gov
Supplemental Information Required	• N/A
Supplemental Form(s)	• N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources)	• Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing	• Axilla/Groin swab (Copan or BD E-Swab)
Minimum Volume/Size Required	• One swab
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping	• Shipping refrigerated swabs on (multiple) cold packs is encouraged to prevent transport conditions above ambient temperature. • Swabs should be shipped to Laboratory within 24 hours of collection • Only swabs within expiration date should be used
Transport Medium	• N/A
Specimen Labeling	• At least two patient identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number). • Three patient identifiers are preferred. • Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers in submission form. • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements	• Ship refrigerated at 2–8°C on cold packs for overnight delivery to Laboratory. • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49. • Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply. • Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements. • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines online here.
Method	• Identification of C. auris by real time PCR or conventional culture.
Turn-around Time	• 1 working day
Interferences/Limitations	• These results should be used only for epidemiological purposes and not for patient treatment.
Common Causes for Rejection	• Missing identifiers on specimen or submission form • Mismatch(es) between patient identifiers on G-2E submission form and specimen label. • More than 84 hours between time of swab collection and arrival at Laboratory • Excessively soiled swabs. • Specimen collected on expired E-Swab kit. • Specimen collection guidance available here.
Additional Information	• N/A