Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA)

A positive test does not necessarily indicate infection since antibodies to Candida species can be detected in uninfected individuals because of their exposure to commensal yeasts. This assay is unable to differentiate antibodies formed during mucosal colonization from those produced during deep infection. Consequentially, antibodies are found in many hospitalized patients who have no obvious Candida infection. A negative result does not rule out the possibility of deep-seated candidiasis in immunocompromised patients.

Microbially-contaminated specimen; heat-treated specimen; specimens containing particulate matter; gross hemolysis; lipemia or icterus