 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
On the CAP inspection sheet the question: MIC.21560 Are all non-immunofluorescent, non-immunologic-based stains (other thatn Gram stains) checked with a positive control and negative control for intended reactivity each day of use, and for each new batch, lot number, and shipment? We have Lactophenol cotton blue droppers used for our KOH testing. Does this stain pertain to the CAP question? We do no do Fungus cultures in-house but do the KOH testing when requested.
|
 |
The short answer is yes. The solution is to not use LPCB when you do the KOH.
The long answer. Assuming that what you are using LPCB mixed in with the KOH to stain patient specimens directly or "backstaining" the KOH prep with LBPCB, then you would be required to run pos and neg controls each day of use because you are using LPCB to help visualize the organism and render a diagnostic interpretation.
The question you are citing is from the Bacteriology section of the CAP inspection sheet and is, in essence, irrelevant. In the Mycology section, this question is not present, but there is a question asking if stains used directly on patient specimens are checked with pos and neg controls each day of use. LPCB is not intended for use on patient specimens directly but rather on fungal cultures. Because you are using LPCB on patient specimens you have now come in conflict with the Mycology CAP question. As noted above, the easiest solution is to not use LPCB (or any other stain) in combination with KOH as you do not do fungal cultures in house. If you are having trouble visualizing the fungi when doing a KOH (especially when the specimen is a nail or hair), then either increase the time of exposure to KOH before reading or increase the KOH concentration to 20%. Either of these treatments (or combined, 20% KOH for 20-30 min) will help clarify the tissue more and allow the fungal elements to be more easily discerned.
|
| |
|
Return to Questions
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
