Molds are identified by LAB 797 using various protein analysis and staining techniques. It is highly recommended that your pharmacy take action according to your SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) upon receiving such results.
Below are some common molds that may be on your reports.
Cladosporium sp.
Commonly isolated indoors or outdoors, usually on plant material
Species have dark green-black colonies
Grows well on surfaces where moisture is present
Rarely pathogenic in humans, but may cause allergies and nail infections
Penicillium sp.
Isolated in the environment and common in food spoilage and drug production
Species have blue-green-yellow-brown colonies
Grows well on surfaces where moisture is present
An opportunistic pathogen, but can cause allergies
Aspergillus sp.
Isolated in the environment, usually on soil and plant material
Species have green-brown colonies
Grows well in many conditions, including high-salinity or minimal nutrient areas
An opportunistic pathogen that may cause serious pulmonary infections
Trichophyton sp.
Isolated from soils, humans, or animals
Species have white-orange-brown colonies
Grows well in moist conditions
The largest cause of infections of the nails, hair, and skin
Occasionally, a mold may not be able to be identified to the genus-level using standard laboratory techniques. These molds are classified as “Non-Sporulating Fungi”, due to the lack of spore structures present. These are still considered pathogenic.
Recommendations for your cleanroom upon pathogenic results include:
Review all SOP’s in regards to personnel garbing and aseptic technique
Properly clean and disinfect any object entering controlled areas and limit any unnecessary items such as cardboard and packaging
Disinfect the sink frequently and check for any surface contamination
Ensure laminar flow of air within all spaces of the cleanroom
Ensure that minimum air changes per hour are met or exceeded
Do not store objects in controlled areas- objects that slow air flow increase the risk of contamination
LAB 797 offers various types of biological media for your sampling needs. All media sold by LAB 797 is sterile, gamma-irradiated, and includes a certificate of quality and growth promotion (documents available by request). Media is used to support the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeast. We offer four types of media that are in stock and ready to ship to your facility.
TSA (Tryptic Soy Agar) Air Plates
Used for growth of bacteria, but can also grow molds and yeasts
85mm plates ideal for use with impaction air samplers
TSA (Tryptic Soy Agar) Contact Plates
Used for growth of bacteria, but can also grow molds and yeasts
Contains Lecithin and Polysorbate-80 for neutralization of chemicals used for cleaning
Ideal for use for fingertip sampling and surface sampling
Can also be used in SAS air samplers
SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) Air Plates
Used for growth of molds and yeasts
85mm plates ideal for use with impaction air samplers
SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) Contact Plates
Used for growth of molds and yeasts
Contains Lecithin and Polysorbate-80 for neutralization of chemicals used for cleaning
Ideal for use for fingertip sampling and surface sampling
Can also be used in SAS air samplers
LAB 797 also offers media-fill solutions by request. This can include TSB (Tryptic Soy Broth), as well as other items such as bags, ports, needles, and vials.
With various options for incubation, making sure your pharmacy or business is doing the right thing can be confusing. LAB 797 is here to help and make your sampling as easy and efficient as possible. Incubation refers to a process used to promote the growth and development of an organism. In this case, incubation is needed for any bacteria, mold, or yeasts to grow on the media. Special laboratory devices called incubators control temperature to promote growth of these organisms. There are four main types of incubation as described below.
Incubation
Standard Incubation @ 30-35 C: This temperature promotes the growth of common bacteria found in the environment and on people such as Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., and Staphylococcus sp. This incubation is done over a period of three to four days at the temperature of 30-35 C. Common media types used for this type of incubation include Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) and Blood Agar.
Standard Incubation @ 20-25 C: This temperature promotes the growth of common molds and yeasts found in the environment and on people, such as Cladosporium sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Candida sp. This incubation is done over a period of six to seven days at the temperature of 20-25 C. Common media types used for this type of incubation include Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA).
Dual Incubation @ 30-35 C, then @ 20-25 C: By incubating media at both temperatures, we allow for growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts. This is usually done if only one media type (usually Tryptic Soy Agar) is desired. Media is incubated first at 30-35 C for a period of three to four days, then transferred to 20-25 C for a period of six to seven days.
Dual Incubation @ 20-25 C, then @ 30-35 C: This incubation is done only for Media Fill samples. Samples are incubated at 20-25 C for a period of seven days, then transferred to 30-35 C for a period of seven days.
Once incubation is completed, colonies of bacteria, yeasts, and molds are counted and then identified. These results are sent back to your pharmacy or business once incubation is completed and samples are analyzed.