Purpose
To standardize fungal culture and subsequent preliminary work-up.
Scope
This procedure applies to trained microbiology laboratory personnel working within an approved quality-management and biosafety system.
Principle
Appropriate culture media and incubation conditions support recovery of fungi, followed by macroscopic and microscopic assessment using validated identification methods.
Specimen / Test Material
Appropriate clinical specimens collected for fungal investigation.
Equipment and Materials
- Validated fungal culture media
- Incubation system
- Microscopy materials
- Identification reagents or systems
- Appropriate controls
Procedure
- Verify specimen identity and suitability.
- Inoculate appropriate validated fungal media.
- Incubate under the validated conditions for the intended organism group.
- Inspect cultures using the approved schedule.
- Assess colony morphology and perform validated microscopic examination.
- Identify isolates to the level supported by the laboratory method.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Monitor media sterility, performance, incubation and contamination.
Reporting
Report fungal recovery and identification according to validated criteria and clinical policy.
Safety
Use risk-based biosafety practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and approved decontamination and waste-disposal procedures. Treat clinical specimens and cultures according to the laboratory's biological risk assessment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Toolkit for Standard Operating Procedures for Bacteriology, Mycology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.
- WHO: Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 4th edition.
- WHO guidance on collection, packaging and transport of infectious substances.
- EUCAST methodology and quality-control guidance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where applicable.
- Current locally approved laboratory procedures and validated manufacturer instructions.