Mycology for CLS and MLT
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Most CLSs will tell you that the only time that they were able to work on any fungal culture was when they were a CLS intern. Well, this manual will take any CLS back to the basics of the mycology bench. The most important thing to remember in the mycology bench is the source of the specimen. The specimen source will determine what type of mycology media to use as well as narrow down the possible affecting organism/s. An important key to the identification of molds is the morphology and color of the culture growth, are they light colored or dark colored growth, one can then either exclude or concentrate on the dematiaceous (dark colored) molds. Lastly, relax and enjoy the adventure of re-discovering what one already knows.
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About the Book
In a perfect world, after their clinical rotation, CLSs and MLTs will be working in all four areas of study of medical technology (Microbiology, Chemistry, Hematology and Immunohematology), retain all that they know and live and work happily ever after. But as we all know that is far from the case, more frequently than not, a CLS or MLT will be stuck in one or two specialized area of study. Mycology is a unique sub-subspecialty of Microbiology that both the macroscopic and microscopic part of it require years of experience for a CLS to feel a high level of confidence. CLSs who had been away from the Mycology department for a period of time or never had a chance to work in the Mycology department will need a good refresher course before venturing into this department. This manual does not claim to be able to boost someone’s confidence overnight or claim to have all the answers, but instead this manual serves as a guide to re-discovering what one previously knew. My hope is that this manual will serve its purpose and be a source of confidence to those who are brave enough to venture out in the mycology department as a newbee or someone who had been away from it for a period of time.
About the Author
Mary Michelle Shodja earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology in 1992 from California State University (CSU) Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. She took her medical technology clinical year training from the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Hospital and Regional Laboratory. She earned her Masters of Science Degree in Bioanalysis in 1995 from her alma mater CSU Dominguez Hills. She gained Certifications in both the MLS American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and CLS National Credentialing Agency (NCA) in 1993. Immediately after passing her California License, she started as a Staff CLS in the Microbiology Department of the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Regional Laboratory. For over 17 years as a CLS, she maintained a full-time position in the area of Microbiology and a part-time position as a generalist working in Hematology, Chemistry, Serology, Immunology and Non-transfusion Blood Bank. Over the years, she took on managerial, supervisory, teaching and other administrative and consultative work but her real passion lies in the clinical bench work and teaching. She believes that in order to find what you’re looking for, you have to try out everything else.