Serum tube identification of <i>Candida albicans</i>

Abstract

The production of filaments (germ tubes) by cells of Candida albicans in serum tubes permits presumptive identification to be made within two to three hours. The proportion of yeast-like cells forming filaments is progressively decreased with increasing cell concentration. The test is effective over a comparatively wide range of temperatures and using different types and concentrations of sera.