Mycological examination

Culture Mycological examination (direct and culture) Sample fur skin other Turnaround time 15 to 30 days

€20.00

Sample Requirements

Suitable samples include:

Hair (fur)
Skin scrapings
Other clinical specimens as recommended by your veterinarian.

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround Time

15 to 30 working days

About the test

Mycological examination (Direct Microscopy and Culture)

This test combines direct microscopic examination with fungal culture to detect dermatophytes, yeasts and other fungi responsible for skin, hair and superficial fungal infections in animals.

Culture remains the gold standard for confirming fungal infections and identifying the causative organism.

Why test?

This examination helps to:

Diagnose fungal skin and hair infections.
Confirm suspected dermatophytosis (ringworm).
Identify pathogenic yeasts and filamentous fungi.
Differentiate fungal infections from bacterial or parasitic skin diseases.
Support appropriate antifungal treatment.

How it works

🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection.

✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects the appropriate sample.

📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

📮 Send Samples: Send your samples by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

📄 Receive Results: Get your laboratory report by email.

Results

The report includes:

Direct microscopic examination: Presence or absence of fungal elements.
Fungal culture: Growth or no growth of fungi.
Identification of the isolated fungal organism, when applicable.

Results should always be interpreted together with the patient's clinical signs and history.

Additional information

Fungal infections of the skin and hair are commonly caused by dermatophytes, although yeasts and environmental fungi may also be involved.

Direct microscopic examination provides a rapid preliminary assessment, while fungal culture confirms the diagnosis and allows identification of the causative organism. Because many fungi grow slowly, cultures may require up to 30 days before a final negative result can be issued.

Proper sample collection is essential to maximize diagnostic sensitivity. Samples should be collected before initiating antifungal treatment whenever possible.

FAQs

Which samples can be submitted?

Hair, skin scrapings and other suitable clinical specimens collected by a veterinarian.

Why does the test take up to 30 days?

Many fungi grow slowly in culture. A prolonged incubation period ensures that slow-growing organisms are detected before issuing a final negative result.

What is the difference between direct microscopy and culture?

Direct microscopy provides a rapid assessment for fungal elements, while culture confirms the diagnosis and identifies the fungal species responsible for the infection.

Can antifungal treatment affect the results?

Yes. Antifungal medication may reduce fungal growth and lead to false-negative results. Whenever possible, samples should be collected before treatment begins.

How long does it take to receive the results?

Results are generally available within 15 to 30 working days, depending on fungal growth.