Description
Why It’s Done:
• To diagnose Candida infections in various parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, vagina, and bloodstream.
• To identify the Candida species (e.g., Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis) responsible for the infection.
• To assess the susceptibility of the isolated Candida strain to antifungal drugs, guiding treatment options.
• To evaluate recurrent or resistant infections, especially in immunocompromised patients (e.g., those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy).
Preparation:
• No special preparation is typically required for this test. However, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about any current medications, especially antifungal drugs, as they may affect the test results.
