Fungal Biochemical Tests

The following are some systems currently being used for the identification of yeasts.

• Carbohydrate fermentation studies:
  • This tests whether a certain yeast ferments different carbohydrates.

• Carbohydrate assimilation studies:
  • This test whether a yeast can utilize different carbohydrates as their sole source of carbon aerobically.

• API 20C System
  • Freeze-dried sugars are placed into wells on a plastic strip, yeast basal medium suspended yeast is pippeted into wells, and incubated. Turbidity determines growth.

• Uni-Yeast Tek System
  • Identifies yeasts based on their ability to ferment certain sugars

• Vitek yeast Biochemical Card