Candidiasis is usually caused by Candida albicans and affects the mucous membranes, skin, and nails (see Candida Skin Test). Compromised individuals with depressed T-cell function are most likely to have invasive disease.
Identifying the Candida antibody can be helpful when the diagnosis of systemic candidiasis cannot be shown by culture or tissue sample. Clinical symptomatology must be present for the test to be meaningful. Tests used include ID; counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE), which is particularly valuable on CSF and urine specimens; and LA for Candida antigen.
Collect a 7-mL blood serum sample in a red-topped tube. Observe standard precautions.
Label the specimen with the patient’s name, date, and test(s) ordered and place in a biohazard bag for transfer to the laboratory.
A titer ≥1:8 by LA or CIE for Candida antigen indicates systemic infection.
A fourfold rise in titers of paired blood samples 10–14 days apart indicates acute infection.
Patients on long-term IV therapy treated with broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs and patients with diabetes commonly have disseminated infections caused by C. albicans. The disease also occurs in bottle-fed newborns and in the urinary bladder of catheterized patients.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, common in late pregnancy, can transmit candidiasis to the infant through the birth canal.
Pretest Patient Care
Explain test purpose and procedure.
Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed pretest care.
Specimens for culture of the organism may also be required.
Posttest Patient Care
Review test results; report and record findings. Modify the nursing care plan as needed. Counsel the patient regarding abnormal findings; explain the need for possible follow-up testing and treatment. See Interpreting Results of Immunologic Tests.
Follow guidelines in Chapter 1 for safe, effective, informed posttest care.