False-positive culture results from patient tissue specimens due to contamination of RPMI medium with Cryptococcus albidus.
Cryptococcus albidus, a rare opportunist, was isolated from biopsy specimens from three patients over 4 days. An investigation showed that the specimens had been contaminated by placement in RPMI medium. The importance of rapid communication between the microbiology laboratory, the infectious diseases/infection control division, and other involved parties in the event of unusual occurrences is highlighted.
Winston
Lisa G
LG
University of California, San Francisco General Hospital, 1001 Potrero Avenue, Room 5H22, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. lisa.winston@ucsf.edu
Roemer
Marguerite
M
Goodman
Carol
C
Haller
Barbara
B
D000328:Adult; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003454:Cryptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003470:Culture Media; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D003470:Culture Media