Purpose
To prepare an LPCB mount for microscopic assessment of fungal morphology.
Scope
This procedure applies to trained microbiology laboratory personnel working within an approved quality-management and biosafety system.
Principle
Lactophenol cotton blue provides contrast and preserves fungal structures sufficiently for morphological observation in validated laboratory workflows.
Specimen / Test Material
Suitable fungal culture material or approved fungal specimen material.
Equipment and Materials
- LPCB mounting reagent
- Clean slides and cover glasses
- Appropriate fungal handling tools
- Microscope
Procedure
- Verify isolate or specimen identification.
- Handle fungal material using appropriate biosafety precautions.
- Prepare a small representative mount using the validated technique.
- Apply the cover glass carefully.
- Examine microscopically.
- Record relevant morphological features using approved identification criteria.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Use suitable control or reference material where required and monitor microscope performance.
Reporting
Report morphology only to the level supported by the validated identification workflow.
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.