Yeast (Candida Species) Susceptibility Testing Test
Short Name: Candida Susceptibility Testing
Also known as: Candida Antifungal Susceptibility Test, Yeast Susceptibility Testing, Antifungal Sensitivity Testing (AFST)
Yeast (Candida Species) Susceptibility Testing Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,357. Uses Rapid Automated Susceptibility Testing on Positive culture growth samples. Results in Report is available within 3 days of sample receipt.. 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 this test is to isolate and identify the Candida species from a positive culture and determine which antifungal agents are likely to be effective. It helps detect acquired and intrinsic antifungal resistance, guide targeted antifungal therapy and reduce the risk of treatment failure.
- Test Code
- 3764
- ICD Code
- B37.9
- Price
- ₹1,357
- Sample Type
- Positive culture growth
- Result Time
- Report is available within 3 days of sample receipt.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Rapid Automated Susceptibility Testing
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. Please inform the laboratory if the patient is currently receiving antifungal therapy.
Method: Submit pre-existing positive culture growth from a prior clinical sample
Laboratory Analysis
No separate patient sample is collected for this test. The laboratory receives and processes the positive culture growth submitted for susceptibility testing.
Report Delivery
After receiving the report, discuss the susceptibility pattern with your treating physician. Follow the advised antifungal treatment and attend follow-up visits as recommended.
Timeline: Report is available within 3 days of sample receipt.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to isolate and identify the Candida species from a positive culture and determine which antifungal agents are likely to be effective. It helps detect acquired and intrinsic antifungal resistance, guide targeted antifungal therapy and reduce the risk of treatment failure.
How to Prepare
- Submit positive culture growth for processing.
- Ship the culture refrigerated; do not freeze.
- Maintain sample stability as per the recommended time: Room temperature up to 2 hours, Refrigerated up to 48 hours.
- Include patient name, unique identification and relevant clinical history with the sample.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"This test should be performed only after Candida species has been cultured. The choice of antifungal therapy depends not just on the in vitro susceptibility result but also on drug toxicity, drug interactions, host immune status and the site of infection."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Frozen culture sample
- Non-viable or expired culture growth
- Heavy bacterial contamination of the culture
- Delay beyond 48 hours under refrigeration
Understanding Your Results
Susceptible (S)
The isolate is likely to respond to the standard recommended dose of the antifungal agent.
Intermediate (I)
The isolate may respond to a higher dose or to an alternative dosing strategy. Clinical response should be monitored closely.
Resistant (R)
The isolate is unlikely to respond to the tested antifungal agent. Another antifungal class should be considered.
Intrinsic Resistance
Certain species such as Candida krusei are intrinsically resistant to fluconazole. This should be considered by the treating clinician when selecting therapy.
Consult your physician if the report shows resistance, if symptoms continue despite treatment, or if you need help choosing the correct antifungal drug.
Limitations
- ⚠This test requires a positive culture growth; it cannot be performed directly on blood, urine, or swab samples unless the organism has been cultured first.
- ⚠Susceptibility results are interpretive and must be correlated with the patient's clinical condition and response.
- ⚠Breakpoint interpretation follows standard guidelines; local resistance patterns may vary.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Since this test is performed on an existing culture, there are no direct risks to the patient. Any risk is limited to the original specimen collection procedure performed at another time by a healthcare provider.
Interfering Factors
- ●Current or recent antifungal therapy may suppress yeast growth and affect susceptibility results.
- ●Mixed or contaminated culture growth may make it difficult to obtain a pure isolate for accurate testing.
- ●Improper storage such as freezing or prolonged transport can reduce culture viability and prevent successful testing.
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Yeast (Candida Species) Susceptibility Testing Test | KOH Mount | Fungal Culture | Candida Antigen / Serology | Candida PCR / Molecular Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Yeast (Candida Species) Susceptibility Testing Test | KOH mount is a rapid direct microscopy test that detects fungal elements in clinical samples; it does not identify the species or perform antifungal susceptibility testing. | Fungal culture isolates and identifies the organism. Once a yeast is grown, susceptibility testing is performed on the isolated Candida species. | Candida antigen testing can support a diagnosis of systemic candidiasis, but it does not provide species-level identification or an antifungal susceptibility profile. | Molecular tests detect Candida DNA and may identify species directly from clinical samples; however, they generally do not replace culture-based antifungal susceptibility testing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yeast (Candida Species) Susceptibility Testing?
What is the cost of this test at DNA Labs India?
What sample is needed for this test?
Do I need to fast before the test?
What are the common symptoms of a yeast infection?
Why is susceptibility testing needed for Candida infection?
Which antifungal agents are tested?
How is this test performed?
When will I get the report?
Is free home sample collection available?
Can this test be done directly on a patient sample?
Does insurance cover this test?
Related Tests
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.
Your Data Privacy
Your medical data is protected under Indian law.
✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.
✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.
Book Your Test
Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.