Candida auris PCR Screen (Sendout)

Collection Materials: Nylon-flocked swab (BD Eswab with 1.0 mL Amies Buffer)

Collection Procedure for Single Swabs, Axilla and Groin:

• Rub both sides of the swab tip over the left axilla skin surface and then the right, targeting the crease in the skin where the arm meets the body.
• Rub both sides of the groin surface skin at the inguinal crease where the leg meets the pelvic region.
• Note: Additional patient sampling sites may be considered by WA PHL upon request (Nares, oropharynx, external ear canal, vagina, and rectum).

After collection, promptly submit the sample with a copy of the ARLN electronic order.

• UWMC Collections: Deliver to UW Montlake SPS (Specimen Processing Services).
• HMC Collections: Deliver to HMC Microbiology lab.
• UWNW Collections: Deliver to UW Northwest SPS (Specimen Processing Services).

Refrigerate samples while awaiting transport. Samples should be forwarded to the state lab immediately to allow for testing within 96 hours.

Result-at-entry:

• RCAUSP (Candida auris PCR Specimen): <enter the specimen type submitted>
  • For Axilla/Groin swabs, enter: SWAB-AX-GROIN.

HMC Microbiology/UW-MT Sendouts:

• Transport samples on wet ice with a copy of the ARLN order. Ship as Category B.

UW-NW Cross Hospital:

• Forward samples to UW-MT Sendouts along with a copy of the completed ARLN requisition.

Stability: Refrigerated: Preferred.

Rejection Criteria: Non-HAI approved samples, does not meet Candida auris screening testing criteria, broken transport device, leaking specimen, requisition form/isolate discrepancies.

State of Washington Department of Health, AR Lab Network:

• Ph: 206-418-5478
• Fax: 206-364-0072
• Email: ARLN@doh.wa.gov