Isolate Submission: Invasive Candidiasis (IC) Information for Health Professionals

On this page:
Criteria for submission of isolates
Appropriate specimen types
Specimen submission forms
Shipping to MDH-PHL
Questions

Criteria for submission of isolates

• All Candida isolates from blood should be submitted to the MDH-PHL.

Appropriate specimen types

• Send on any media that supports the growth of yeast.

Specimen submission forms

MDH-PHL requests the following documentation to be included with each Candida isolate submission:

• Infectious Disease Laboratory Submission Form (PDF)
  More information can be found on Forms for the Infectious Disease Laboratory
  • Be sure to include the following information:
    • project number (2151)
    • patient information
    • facility information
    • specimen source
    • collection date
    • isolate genus/species
• Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Report:
  • If available, submit a copy of susceptibility testing results performed in your laboratory (automated, Etest, MIC, etc.)

Shipping to MDH-PHL

• Ship specimens to MDH-PHL by an overnight delivery service or local courier.
  Note: It is the responsibility of the submitting laboratory to determine the appropriate packaging and shipping for patient specimens and culture isolates. See U.S. Department of Transportation Regulations: Hazardous materials shipping for more information.
• Isolates should be shipped at room temperature.
• Ship to:
  Minnesota Department of Health
  Public Health Laboratory
  Attn: Biological Accessioning
  601 Robert St. N
  St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-2531

Laboratory Testing

• MDH performs the following testing on submitted Candida isolates:
  • Isolate identification is confirmed by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida glabrata isolates by TREK MIC (currently research use only).

Questions?

MDH-PHL Special Microbiology Laboratory is available during regular business hours for consultation on Candida testing and result interpretation at 651-201-5073.