Proficiency testing

The German group of indoor air hygienists and mycologists initiated ring tests for the identification of filamentous fungi occurring in indoor air. The tests were organised by the Federal Department of Health in Baden-Württemberg (Germany) in cooperation with the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS, The Netherlands). In autumn 2001 a first proficiency test (45 participants), and in spring 2002 a second test (46 participants) had been performed, a third proficiency test will be carried out in autumn 2002. For each proficiency test, a set of six fungal strains (6 species) occurring in indoor air and house dust had been selected by reference laboratories from a number of about 80 relevant species. To pass the test and receive a certificate four out of six strains had to be correctly identified to the species level by the participants.

Future activities

The Committee aims to organise regular international ring tests for the identification of microfungi typically occurring in indoor air. The ring test will be organised by reference laboratories in each country participating. Sets of Reference Cultures are defined and deposited/available at Culture Collections.