Pan Malassezia Quantitative Test
Short Name: Pan Malassezia Quantitative
Also known as: Malassezia PCR, Malassezia Quantitative PCR, Pan-Malassezia DNA Test
Pan Malassezia Quantitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹8,500. Uses Real Time RT-PCR on Skin biopsy, skin scraping, tape stripping, or tissue specimen samples. Results in Reports are typically available on the 4th working day after sample collection. You will receive an email and WhatsApp notification once the report is ready.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the Pan Malassezia Quantitative Test is to measure the amount of Malassezia DNA in a skin sample. This aids in confirming Malassezia overgrowth as the cause of skin symptoms, differentiating it from other dermatological conditions, and guiding appropriate antifungal treatment. Quantitative results help monitor treatment efficacy and recurrence.
- Test Code
- 6234
- CPT Code
- 87101
- ICD Code
- B36.9
- Price
- ₹8,500
- Sample Type
- Skin biopsy, skin scraping, tape stripping, or tissue specimen
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available on the 4th working day after sample collection. You will receive an email and WhatsApp notification once the report is ready.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real Time RT-PCR
Sample Collection
Inform your healthcare provider about any antifungal medications you are using. Avoid applying topical antifungals or medicated creams on the test area for at least 24 hours before sample collection, if possible.
Method: Biopsy or skin scraping by healthcare professional
Laboratory Analysis
The healthcare professional will clean the skin and collect a small biopsy or scraping from the affected area. The procedure is quick and may cause mild discomfort.
Report Delivery
The sample is placed in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory. You can resume normal activities immediately. Mild bleeding or soreness at the biopsy site may occur but usually resolves quickly.
Timeline: Reports are typically available on the 4th working day after sample collection. You will receive an email and WhatsApp notification once the report is ready.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the Pan Malassezia Quantitative Test is to measure the amount of Malassezia DNA in a skin sample. This aids in confirming Malassezia overgrowth as the cause of skin symptoms, differentiating it from other dermatological conditions, and guiding appropriate antifungal treatment. Quantitative results help monitor treatment efficacy and recurrence.
How to Prepare
- Do not apply any topical medication on the test site for 24 hours prior to collection.
- Avoid washing the area with medicated shampoos or soaps before collection.
- Inform the lab if you are on oral antifungal therapy.
- Ensure the sample is collected from the active lesion edge for best yield.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Malassezia overgrowth is a common cause of chronic skin conditions. Quantitative PCR provides precise fungal load, guiding targeted antifungal therapy."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample not in appropriate transport medium
- Sample received after prolonged delay (>72 hours) without proper storage
- Insufficient sample quantity
- Sample container leaking or broken
Understanding Your Results
Indicates active Malassezia overgrowth, likely contributing to skin symptoms. Antifungal therapy may be recommended.
May represent colonization or early infection. Clinical correlation required.
Malassezia DNA not detected. Other causes of skin condition should be considered.
Consult a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist if you have persistent skin symptoms such as severe dandruff, itchy red patches, or discolored skin that do not improve with over-the-counter treatments. Early diagnosis can prevent complications.
Limitations
- ⚠Test does not differentiate between Malassezia species (pan-Malassezia).
- ⚠Quantitative results may not correlate directly with severity of clinical symptoms.
- ⚠Negative result does not completely rule out Malassezia infection if sampling was inadequate.
- ⚠Molecular test may detect non-viable organisms, not indicating active infection.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild bleeding or bruising at the biopsy site
- ●Infection (rare, if proper care not taken)
- ●Scarring (minimal with small biopsies)
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent use of topical or systemic antifungal agents may reduce fungal load, leading to false-negative results.
- ●Contamination of sample with normal skin flora during collection.
- ●Improper storage or transport of sample may degrade DNA.
- ●Sampling from non-representative lesion area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pan Malassezia Quantitative Test?
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Reference Laboratory Services
We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
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