Improved methods for office fungal culture

A new screening culture method which can be used as an office fungal culture involves a microculture, where a selective medium (DTM) is used for coating a thin transparent plastic slide. Sampling is performed with a transparent adhesive tape which is pressed on to the surface of the agar and allows daily microscopic examination of the culture. Identification of the fungus is based on its micromorphologic features and possible color change of the substrate. Growth of dermatophytes and candida usually can be detected and registered within 48 hours. The screening method is simple to handle and read and may be monitored by inexperienced personnel with virtually no microbiologic knowledge.