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Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) and sputum are commonly used respiratory specimens. Still, they differ significantly in terms of source, quality, diagnostic value, and clinical utility, especially in patients with tuberculosis, fungal infections, pneumonia, and oncology. Basic Definition Feature BAL Sample Sputum Sample Definition Expectorated respiratory secretion …
Introduction Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a Gram-positive, beta-hemolytic coccus arranged in chains. It is a major cause of neonatal sepsis, meningitis, and infections in pregnant women, and an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised adults. GBS commonly colonizes the gastrointestinal and …
Introduction KOH Mount of Pleural Fluid is a rapid, direct microscopic test used to detect fungal elements in suspected pleural infections. A 10–20% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution clears cellular debris, fibrin, and protein content in pleural fluid while preserving chitin-rich fungal structures such as hyphae, …
Introduction Sterility testing in a GMP-compliant mycology laboratory is a critical quality assurance process used to confirm that pharmaceutical products, culture media, reagents, water systems, and laboratory environments are free from viable microorganisms, including fungi and yeasts.It follows regulatory guidelines defined by WHO, EU-GMP, USP …
Introduction Broad-range PCR assays for fungi are molecular diagnostic methods designed to detect a wide spectrum of fungal pathogens directly from clinical samples such as blood, BAL, sputum, CSF, tissue biopsies, and sterile body fluids.These assays target highly conserved fungal genomic regions, primarily the Internal …
Introduction KOH mount of sputum is a rapid, direct microscopic technique used to detect fungal elements in the respiratory tract. A 10–20% Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solution digests mucus, epithelial cells, and debris in sputum, while preserving the chitin-rich fungal cell walls, making them appear clear, …
Introduction KOH mount (Potassium Hydroxide preparation) is a rapid, simple, and cost-effective microscopic technique used to detect fungal elements directly in clinical specimens.When applied to Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) samples, it is an essential diagnostic tool for identifying pulmonary fungal infections, especially in the ICU, oncology, …
Introduction Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) mount is a simple, rapid, and cost-effective microscopic technique used to detect fungal elements in various clinical specimens, including urine samples. When fungal infection of the urinary tract (funguria) is suspected—especially in immunocompromised, diabetic, or catheterized patients—KOH mount helps visualize yeast …