Survey of Fungal Cultures and the Identification Tests Used by Diagnostic Laboratories in Korea.
10.15263/jlmqa.2016.38.3.143
- Author:
Seungok LEE
1
;
Gyong Gi YU
;
Kang Hoon PARK
;
Seong Yeoun LEE
;
Dong Wook JEKARL
;
Nam Surp YOON
;
Mi Na KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea. lsok@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Surveys and questionnaires;
Proficiency testing;
Clinical laboratory serivices;
Fungi;
Molds
- MeSH:
Arthrodermataceae;
Aspergillus;
Fungi;
Korea*;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Yeasts
- From:Journal of Laboratory Medicine and Quality Assurance
2016;38(3):143-150
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of fungal cultures and the identification tests used by diagnostic laboratories in Korea. METHODS: From 22 October to 30 November 2013, we surveyed 76 laboratories, participating in the regular proficiency survey program of The Korean Association of Quality Assurance for Clinical Laboratory, with a questionnaire on fungal cultures and their identification tests. In March 2014, five mold were distributed to ninety-one participating laboratories, as an educational challenge. RESULTS: Fifty-six (73.7%) out of seventy-six laboratories replied to the survey questionnaire. Yeast was identified using commercial kits in all laboratories and to species level in 82.1% of the laboratories, whereas moulds were mainly identified by morphological examinations, to species level in 41.1% of the laboratories. The response rate to the five proficiency specimens was 67.0%–71.1%. The percentage of correctly identified dermatophytes was lower than that of Aspergillus species. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement is required in the mould culturing and identification techniques used in diagnostic laboratories in Korea.
