Main Body
Mycology Proficiency Testing Program (PTP)
Mycology PTP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What are the organisms given in the Mycology Proficiency Tests?
- Most often the organisms given in the proficiency test are selected from the master lists for Molds or Yeasts.
- What are the categories in which Mycology proficiency testing (PT) is currently offered?
- Proficiency testing is currently offered in Mycology - General and Mycology - Yeast Only categories. Proficiency testing for Mycology Antifungal Testing - Yeast Only will begin in January 2002.
- How often are PT shipments sent out?
- Shipments are sent three times a year usually in January, June, and October. Specific dates are posted under the "SCHEDULE" section of the Mycology website and on the CLEP website.
- How will PT shipments arrive in my laboratory?
- PT shipments are shipped using Fed Ex overnight service. You must notify us by phone/fax/email, if you have not received your package by the following day or if the specimens arrive damaged.
- Are replacement PT specimens available?
- Replacement specimens are provided upon written request either by fax or email. Replacement cultures will be mailed up to five working days after the shipment date.
- What is Mycology PT master list?
- The organisms listed in the master lists (Molds and Yeasts) are commonly used in the proficiency test event.
- Why are educational specimens sent?
- Educational specimens are sent to educate laboratory personnel about less common fungal pathogens. These specimens may be used in future PT events.
- Is the laboratory required to identify organisms irrespective of the anatomic site?
- No, there are certain laboratories that process specimens from specific anatomic sites like blood, CSF, etc. They are not required to identify organisms that originate from a body site that would not be routinely cultured by their laboratory.
- How are proficiency tests graded?
- Tests for Mycology - General and Mycology - Yeast Only are graded according to HCFA guidelines as specified in CLIA '88.
Each of the five specimens receives a score as determined by the following formula:
a /(b + c) x 100%, a = identifications, b = correct identification, c = additional organism identifications.
Grades for each sample are then averaged to determine the final grade for a testing event.
Tests for Mycology Antifungal Testing - Yeasts Only are graded as follows:
The identification for each yeast specimen will be provided by the Wadsworth Center Mycology Laboratory. Participating laboratories will be required to test the specimens against two drugs, amphotericin B and fluconazole. The MICs (µg/ml) for each drug tested against a specimen will be assigned 10 points; for a total of 20 points per specimen.
Acceptable results are MICs within +/-2 dilutions from the reference results for a particular organism against single drug. If these results were outside the range, the lab gets a score of zero for that particular result. The current testing format is based on the following two drugs; amphotericin B and fluconazole. We sent five yeasts to be tested against these two drugs. A test involving one yeast against both drugs receives a maximum score of 20 (10 for one drug+ 10 for another drug). The total score being 5 X 20 = 100. However, any lab that routinely donot perform testing against any of either drug, then, the maximum score for single isolate against single drug is 20. Again for five yeasts isolates it will be 20 X 5 = 100.
Failure to attain an overall testing score of at least 80% is unsatisfactory performance. - What happens if my laboratory fails the PT?
- Laboratories that fail one event will be notified of unsatisfactory performance and must submit problem evaluation data and corrective action documentation to the section.
Laboratories that fail two out of three consecutive PT events will be notified of unsuccessful performance and may be required to cease testing. Following unsuccessful performance a laboratory will be required to successfully participate in two proficiency test events. - What should a laboratory do if the director is not available to sign the proficiency test results before the postmark deadline?
- The laboratory should retain a copy of the result form and send the unsigned original form along with an explanatory note by the postmark deadline. The copy should be signed by the director within two working days of his/her return and submitted to the PT section.
- How do we get in touch with the Mycology Laboratory?
- You can reach the Mycology laboratory by phone at (518) 474-4177, by fax at (518) 486-7971 or by e-mail at mycologypt@wadsworth.org
Ask to speak with Dr. Ping Ren, PT coordinator or Dr. Vishnu Chaturvedi, Laboratory Director.