Introduction to MYCOscreen18 PCR Panel
Table of Contents
Identifying fungal infections quickly and accurately is a critical challenge in clinical diagnostics. Traditional culture methods can take weeks, often delaying life-saving treatments. Enter the MYCOscreen18 Fungus PCR Panel Kit by Genient—a multiplexed qPCR solution designed to detect and identify 18 clinically relevant fungal pathogens simultaneously.
Whether you are a laboratory professional or a healthcare provider, here is everything you need to know about this advanced diagnostic tool.
What is MYCOscreen18?
The MYCOscreen18 is a qualitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) kit validated for species-level identification from various human specimens, including nail clippings, nail scrapings, and tissue biopsies. By targeting specific DNA regions and using fluorescent probes, the kit provides results in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.
Key Performance Features
- High Sensitivity: The kit boasts a remarkable Limit of Detection (LoD), with most species detected at concentrations as low as 4.4 x 101 to 3.4 x 102 copies/mL.
- Broad Inclusivity: It achieves 100% analytical inclusivity, meaning it reliably detects a diverse range of strains for all 18 reportable targets.
- Zero Cross-Reactivity: Extensive testing against off-panel organisms—including common flora like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and near-neighbors like Aspergillus versicolor—showed no cross-reactivity.
The “Target 18”: What Does it Detect?
The panel is organized into eight “Oligo Mixes,” utilizing four fluorescent channels (FAM, HEX, ROX, and Cy5) to distinguish between pathogens.
| Target Group | Included Species (Selected Examples) |
| Candida Species | C. albicans, C. auris, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis |
| Aspergillus Species | A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus |
| Dermatophytes | Trichophyton spp., Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum |
| Others | Fusarium oxysporum, Malassezia furfur, Trichosporon asahii |
Internal Control (IC): To ensure every run is accurate, the kit includes an IC targeting human RNase P. This monitors for sampling adequacy, extraction efficiency, and PCR inhibition.
Workflow & Interpretation
The MYCOscreen18 is designed for efficiency, with a thermal protocol that takes advantage of rapid cycling:
- Preparation: Total reaction volume is just 10.0 µL, making it reagent-efficient.
- Amplification: A 40-cycle protocol with a 15-second annealing/extension step at 55 °C.
- Analysis: A positive result is defined by a sigmoidal growth curve and a Ct value < 38.
Best Practices for the Lab
To maintain the kit’s high sensitivity, the manufacturer emphasizes several critical handling requirements:
- Storage: Components must be kept at -15°C to -25°C and protected from light.
- Freeze-Thaw Limits: Do not exceed 3 freeze-thaw cycles, as this can degrade fluorophore performance and sensitivity.
- Platform Flexibility: The kit is validated for major platforms, including the Bio-Rad CFX96, Gentier 96E, and ABI QuantStudio 5.
Conclusion
In the race against fungal infections, precision and speed are the best allies. The MYCOscreen18 Fungus PCR Panel Kit provides a robust, validated, and highly specific pathway to species-level identification, ensuring that clinicians can move from “suspected infection” to “targeted treatment” faster than ever before.
MYCOscreen18 PCR Panel
- For more information or technical support, visit www.genient.co.in or contact info@genient.co.in.
- Flyer for MYCOscreen18 PCR Panel