ABSTRACT
Screening tests that we use in our facility and minimum frequency are as follows:
Fungi: For fungal contamination, we use a “mold trap” (see Chapter 9). Molds and fungi that may be slow growing or difficult to culture are detected by daily examination of the container of wet food that is placed in every isolator. Water is added as necessary to keep the mold trap from drying. All our isolators have mold traps, which are examined visually daily and by Gram stain on a weekly basis (see further discussion in this section). Mold traps can be helpful in detecting bacterial contamination as well. We do not culture specifically for fungi, although that is an option chosen by some laboratories.
