Collection, Transport and Processing of Mycological Specimen

Moon, Kee Chan

Abstract

In order to successfully determine the etiology of fungal disease, proper management in terms of the collection, transport, and processing of clinical specimens should be considered. Inappropriate collection and handling of specimens may induce confusing results and mislead to wrong diagnosis and subsequent failure in the management of the infection. All health care workers involved in obtaining the specimens, collection of them from appropriate sites, and proper labeling of specimen containers should follow appropriate instructions, usually in the form of a specimen collection procedure manual provided by the responsible laboratory. The best specimen for determining the etiologic agent is usually obtained from the active infection site, as with all disease processes. All specimens should be properly labeled with information of the collection, as well as the patient's clinical data. Appropriate transport and storage of specimens are necessary for fungal elements to remain viable for a successful culture. In the laboratory, all acceptable specimens could be processed appropriately before culturing for identification of the etiologic agents. They include direct microscopy, antigen detection procedures and/or direct molecular methods. This review article is devoted to standard recommendations in obtaining, transporting, and processing clinical specimens. In addition, some of the basic procedures of direct microscopy for the clinician is dealt for the clinician.