Mycology Laboratory at St Thomas' Hospital

The Mycology Clinic at the St Thomas’ Essential Service Laboratory (ESL) provides expert assessment and sampling for suspected fungal infections, supporting both Dermatology services and one of the largest direct‑access postal diagnostic services for superficial mycoses in the UK. The clinic sees patients referred by healthcare professionals and handles approximately 10,000 specimens each year. 

All laboratory testing for fungal identification—including microscopy and culture—is performed by the specialist Mycology team at the central Hub. Samples taken at St Thomas’ are prepared and processed locally before being forwarded for comprehensive diagnostic analysis. Direct microscopy utilises Calcofluor white fluorescence and bright‑field methods, with results typically available within two working days, while dermatophyte culture has a turnaround time of three to four weeks. 

The clinic’s experienced staff provide high‑quality skin, nail, and hair sampling to maximise diagnostic accuracy. Clear guidance is given to referrers on specimen submission, ensuring that Hub‑based testing receives well‑prepared material for reliable results. The service also offers advice on sampling, result interpretation and general clinical queries related to superficial fungal infections.

Working closely with the Infection Sciences Hub, the Mycology Clinic ensures patients benefit from specialist expertise, advanced diagnostic methods and coordinated reporting, enabling accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning for mycotic diseases.

For full accreditation details please refer to the UKAS website as this lists accredited tests across Infection Sciences