Candida auris Detection and Identification Assay [Test in Focus]

Candida auris is a yeast that was first identified as causing disease in a human in Japan in 2009 and since then, cases have been reported in more than 30 countries worldwide. The first case of Candida auris in the United States was reported in 2015 and there have been cases reported in a number of states. In addition to causing disease, Candida auris can colonize individuals without signs or symptoms of disease. 

Candida auris is a concern because it can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, because it is often resistant to one or more classes of antifungal drugs, and it can be misidentified in the laboratory which may in turn lead to inappropriate treatment. In addition, Candida auris appears to be more resistant to disinfection than other yeasts leading to prolonged survival in the environment and increasing the possibility of transmission in hospitals and nursing homes.

Nancy Wengenack, Ph.D. gives an overview of this test available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She discusses when this testing should be ordered, how this testing compares to other testing approaches, and what clinical action can be taken due to the results of this testing.

Testing

  • Candida auris, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood (Mayo ID: CAURB)
  • Candida auris, Molecular Detection, PCR, Urine (Mayo ID: CAIRP)
  • Surveillance Candida auris, Molecular Detection, PCR (Mayo ID: CAURS)

Useful For:

Detection of Candida auris

This test should not be used to determine cure or to monitor response to therapy.

Specimen Requirements

Candida auris, Molecular Detection, PCR, Blood (Mayo ID: CAURB)
Fasting: None
Preferred evacuated tube: 3 mL EDTA Lav
Micro Tube: EDTA Lav
Absolute minimum collection for analysis: 0.3 mL

Candida auris, Molecular Detection, PCR, Urine (Mayo ID: CAIRP)
Specimen Type: Urine
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect a random urine specimen.

Surveillance Candida auris, Molecular Detection, PCR (Mayo ID: CAURS)
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Axilla-Groin
Container/Tube: ESwabs in liquid Amies medium. 
 
Specimen Type: Swab
Sources: Nares Swab
Container/Tube: Rayon swab with an aluminum shaft placed in transport medium such as a nasopharyngeal swab (rayon mini-tip) with Stuart's or Amies medium (no charcoal) 

Performance Information

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Analytic Time

1 day

Emily Linginfelter

Emily Linginfelter is a Marketing Associate at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She supports marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing. Emily has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2018.