Candida auris Surveillance

Test Name

Candida auris 

Alternate Name(s) Candida auris culture
Laboratory Module

Microbiology

Ordering Mnemonic

CANAUR

Specimen Type

Axilla and groin swab (skin)

Urine

Nasal

Collection Container

Swab

Sterile Urine container

Container Information

Swab:

amies_transport_media.jpg

Collection Information

 Swabbing Axilla/Groin

  1. Before beginning, perform hand hygiene and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as indicated by the patient’s clinical care team (e.g., gloves, gown, mask).
  2. Open the swab package by grasping the plastic at the opposite end from the soft tip.
  3. Carefully remove the tube from its packaging, leaving the swab tip enclosed in the package to prevent contamination.
  4. Pull the swab from its package, being careful not to touch the soft tip. Firmly rub the soft end of the collection swab cross the indicated site at least 3-5 times. Single swab axilla and groin composite collection method:
    • Rub both sides of the swab tip over the left axilla skin surface and then the right, targeting the crease in the skin where the arm meets the body (i.e., swab both rmpits, swiping back and forth ~5 times per armpit).
    • With the same swab used on the axilla, rub both sides of the swab tip over the left groin skin surface, targeting the inguinal crease in the skin where the leg meets the pelvic region and repeat with the right side (i.e., swab the skin of both hip creases swiping back and forth ~5 times per hip crease).
  5. Uncap the clear lid from the swab collection tube, then place the soft end of the collection swab into the tube. 
  6. Apply patient identification label or write specimen information on the tube label.
  7. Send or ship immediately to a testing laboratory.
    • *If a delay in shipment cannot be prevented, store the swabs at 4°C or on ice until shipment.
Test Schedule

Daily

Routine Turnaround Time  48hrs to 14 days
Stat Turnaround Time  
Critical Values

As growth is detected and identified the information is made available to the health care provider.

Lab Process Notes  
Storage and Transport

Viability may decrease with prolonged storage so transport as soon as possible. The specimen should then be refrigerated.

Test Referred To

on site - BGH Laboratory 

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