The germ tube test is a practical and simple method for the presumptive identification of Candida albicans from clinical specimens. The procedure is performed by incubating the yeast colony in serum for 2-3 hours, then observing the formation of sprout-like structures. The presence of germ tubes indicates potential virulence related to the ability to form hyphae. Be careful to distinguish between germ tubes and pseudohyphae. Note the constriction at the point of attachment to the mother cell. (a) Germtube has no constriction at the base, growing like a straight tube. It is commonly found in Candida albicans. (b) Pseudohyphae have constrictions. Formed from the elongation of blastospores that remain attached to disconnected cell walls. This can be found in various Candida species, including Candida non-albicans.
