Yeast Infection Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Candidiasis test, Candidosis test, Moniliasis test, Potassium hydroxide preparation, Fungal culture, Fungal antigen and antibody tests
A yeast infection test helps find out whether you have a yeast infection (candidiasis). Yeast is a type of fungus that normally lives on your body but can overgrow and cause infection. The test is used to diagnose yeast infections on the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, or in invasive cases affecting the blood or organs.
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
No special preparation needed.
Depends on symptom location: For vaginal yeast infection, a pelvic exam and sample of discharge. For thrush, scraping of mouth cells. For skin/nail, scraping of skin or nail. If invasive infection suspected, blood or tissue sample.
There is no known risk to having a yeast test. (Source: MedlinePlus)
Understanding results
Results are interpreted based on the sample type and your symptoms. Your provider will discuss the findings and next steps.
- Positive: Yeast (fungus) was detected in your sample. Limitation: A positive result from a lab test confirms a yeast infection. False positives are rare but possible if the sample is contaminated. Next step: Your provider may recommend prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medicine.
- Negative: No yeast was detected in your sample. Limitation: A negative result may not rule out infection if the sample was not taken from the exact infected area or if the yeast is not growing in culture. Next step: Your provider may recommend further evaluation if symptoms persist.
- 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 healthcare provider will interpret results and recommend treatment if needed. Follow prescribed antifungal medicine as directed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the course.
- 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?