Test Price
1,000 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Pan-Malassezia Quantitative Test (qPCR/WGS) in UAE – Accurate Fungal Detection & Species Identification
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
Test Overview & Methodology
The Pan-Malassezia Quantitative Test employs real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) combined with whole genome sequencing (WGS) to detect and quantify Malassezia species from skin scrapings, tissue biopsies, blood, or bone marrow aspirates. This advanced molecular approach is essential for diagnosing both superficial infections such as pityriasis versicolor and invasive Malassezia disease in immunocompromised patients presenting with atypical skin nodules, fungemia, or disseminated lesions. The assay achieves species-level discrimination—including M. furfur, M. globosa, M. restricta, and M. sympodialis—within 36–48 hours, far surpassing the sensitivity and speed of conventional fungal culture.
| Test Feature | Pan-Malassezia qPCR/WGS Test | Conventional Fungal Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | Real-Time PCR (qPCR) + Whole Genome Sequencing | Traditional culture on Sabouraud agar (slow, low sensitivity) |
| Turnaround Time | Email report: 48 hours; Phone report: 36 hours | 7–21 days |
| Sensitivity | 99.9% (detects low fungal load down to 10 copies/µL) | ~40–60% (often misses low-burden infections) |
| Species Identification | Genome-level resolution identifying M. furfur, M. globosa, M. restricta, M. sympodialis and others | Often limited to genus level; mixed infections may be missed |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
Dr. Ajay Singh (DHA License: 36234132): “This quantitative PCR panel delivers rapid, highly sensitive detection of Malassezia species from multiple specimen types—blood, skin scrapings, tissue, or bone marrow. I emphasize correlating molecular results with clinical presentation, dermoscopic findings, and histopathology, particularly in immunocompromised hosts where atypical presentations or polymicrobial infections are common. The test is a powerful adjunct but does not replace comprehensive clinical evaluation.”
Medication Advisory
⛔ Medication Advisory
Do not discontinue any prescribed antifungal, immunosuppressive, or topical therapy without consulting your treating physician. This test provides diagnostic information but does not replace clinical judgment or medication management decisions.
Exclusion Criteria & Urgent Red Flags
- Inability to provide a sterile tissue biopsy, bone marrow aspirate, or blood sample under aseptic conditions.
- Refusal or inability to sign the mandatory informed consent document as required under Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
- Patients with uncontrolled severe coagulopathy where tissue biopsy or bone marrow aspiration is contraindicated.
- Red Flags: Worsening sepsis, hypotension, new mental status changes, or acute organ dysfunction—seek emergency medical care immediately.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What exactly does the Pan-Malassezia Quantitative Test detect, and how is it different from a standard fungal culture?
This test directly quantifies Malassezia DNA via real-time PCR and whole genome sequencing, achieving near-100% sensitivity with species-level identification within 36–48 hours. In contrast, traditional fungal culture requires 7–21 days, often fails to detect low fungal burdens, and rarely discriminates between individual Malassezia species.
2. Is home sample collection as reliable as a clinic or hospital visit?
For blood specimens, our ISO-certified mobile phlebotomists follow strict cold-chain protocols with real-time temperature logging, ensuring specimen integrity identical to in-clinic collection. For tissue biopsies and bone marrow aspirates, hospital extraction is required to maintain sterile technique and patient safety. All samples are tracked with barcoded chain-of-custody documentation.
3. Do I need to stop any medications before providing a sample?
No routine medication discontinuation is required. However, systemic or topical antifungal agents may transiently reduce detectable fungal DNA load. Please bring a complete list of all medications—including over-the-counter creams, antifungals, and immunosuppressants—to ensure accurate test interpretation.
4. How will I receive my results, and what do they mean?
Results are delivered via secure email within 48 hours or by phone report within 36 hours. The report identifies which Malassezia species are present and provides a quantitative fungal load value (copies/µL). Your ordering physician or our telephonic clinical guidance team will interpret results in the context of your symptoms, clinical history, and any concurrent medications.
5. Does insurance cover this test, and can you bill directly?
Yes, we accept most UAE health insurance plans and offer direct billing where applicable. Please verify your coverage and policy limits by contacting us via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731 or through your insurance provider. Self-pay options are also available at the listed price.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Regulatory Compliance
This test is performed under the regulatory oversight of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA Facility License No. 1143) and complies with all applicable UAE federal laws. Patient data is handled in strict accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL), ensuring that all personal and medical information is collected, processed, and stored securely. Additionally, the laboratory adheres to Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields, which governs the safe and confidential electronic transmission of health data including test results, imaging records, and genomic information. All specimens are processed under ISO 15189:2012 quality management standards with full chain-of-custody documentation.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Pan-Malassezia Quantitative Test (qPCR + Whole Genome Sequencing) |
| Price (AED) | 1,000 AED |
| Turnaround Time | Email report: 48 hours; Phone report: 36 hours |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Skin scraping, tissue biopsy, blood (whole blood or serum), bone marrow aspirate. Hospital Extraction Only for tissue biopsies and bone marrow aspirates – sample collection is conducted strictly within an accredited hospital facility; mobile home phlebotomy is disabled for safety for those specimen types. VIP Mobile Phlebotomy is available for blood specimens. |
| Methodology Used | Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) followed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) with species-level bioinformatic analysis |
| ICD-10-CM Code | B36.0 (Pityriasis versicolor), B36.9 (Superficial mycosis, unspecified) |
| LOINC Code | 104383-1 (Malassezia sp DNA [Presence] in Skin by NAA with probe detection) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE | DNA Labs UAE |
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All reports reviewed by DHA-Certified physicians