Yeast Infection Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Candidiasis test, Candidosis test, Moniliasis test, Potassium hydroxide preparation, Fungal culture, Fungal antigen and antibody tests
A yeast test can help find out whether you have a yeast infection. Yeast is a type of fungus.
Specimen: Sample from infected area: vaginal discharge, mouth scraping, skin or nail scraping, blood, or other fluid/tissue.
Why this test may be ordered
- Symptoms of a yeast infection, such as itching, burning, redness, rash, white discharge, or white patches in the mouth.
- To confirm the cause of symptoms and guide treatment.
- To check for invasive yeast infection if you have a weakened immune system or other risk factors.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a yeast test.
The type of test depends on the location of your symptoms. A vaginal yeast infection - Your provider will perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of the discharge from your vagina. During this type of test, you may feel some pressure and a little discomfort.
There is no known risk to having a yeast test.
Understanding results
Your provider may be able to tell if you have a yeast infection just by looking at the infected area and examining a sample of the cells under a microscope.
- Yeast infection found: If your results show that you have a yeast infection, your provider may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medicine. Limitation: Many yeast infections get better after a few days or weeks of treatment, but certain fungal infections may need treatment for several months or longer before they clear up completely. Next step: It's important to take all your medicine as prescribed, even if you feel better before you finish it.
- Not enough cells to find an infection: If there are not enough cells in the sample to find an infection, you may need a fungal culture test. Limitation: But some yeast grows slowly, so it may take weeks to get a result. Next step: It's best to talk with your provider about your symptoms and which test is best for you.
- At-home tests are screening only and may not confirm a diagnosis.
- Some yeast grows slowly; culture results may take weeks.
- Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection can overlap with sexually transmitted infections.
What to do next
Your provider will tell you which treatment is best for you. It's best to talk with your provider about your symptoms and which test is best for you.
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- Have you recently taken antibiotics?
- Are you pregnant?
- Do you have any conditions that weaken the immune system?
- Have you had a yeast infection before?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.