Candida auris screen
Description:
Candida auris is a yeast species first isolated from the external ear canal of a patient in Japan in 2009. Since then C. auris has been associated with a wide range of clinical infections, including bloodstream, wound and ear infections, in many countries globally. It has caused prolonged outbreaks on five continents including India, Pakistan, Venezuela, Colombia, Spain. Israel, South Africa and USA.
Clinical details:
Candida auris screening is performed for infection control purposes to minimise the risk of cross infection. It is performed only on high risk patients.
Synonyms or keywords:
Candida auris
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
Screen – Adult 1 x Nose, 1x throat and 1 x perineum swab in Amies (blue or black top) transport medium. Children 1 x Nose, 1x throat and 1 x groin swab in Amies (blue or black top) transport medium. Other samples may also be required e.g. urine, sputum and respiratory secretions, wounds and cannula entry sites
Turnaround time:
1-2 day (negatives); 2-3 days (positives). Positive results are telephoned to the ward or clinical team by Infection Control Team or Microbiology clinical staff if an inpatient, if outpatient the ordering clinican will be contacted by the Infection Control team.
Storage and transport:
Place labelled samples in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Swabs received in the department by 18.00hrs will be processed the same day. Non-swab samples can be placed in a sterile universal (min volume 5mls).
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730
Laboratory:
Last updated: 08/06/2021
