Fungi and Mycology, Part 2

Course overview

Competency in laboratory mycology, a specialty area of clinical microbiology depends on the mycologists knowledge, experience, and awareness. Proper collection of specimens and knowledge of processing techniques, tests, stains, and reagents used to identify pathogenic fungi is key in rapid isolation, accurate identification, and proper treatment for the patient, and is critical in avoiding potentially fatal consequences for the patient. At the same time, the technologist must be able to distinguish between true pathogenic fungal infections and common laboratory contaminants to avoid miscommunication, unnecessary treatments, and unnecessary costs.