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Dimorphic Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

These are the MediaLab courses that cover Dimorphic and links to relevant pages within the course.

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Mycology: Hyaline and Dematiaceous Fungi
Several saprophytic, hyaline molds have microscopic characteristics that mimic the mold forms of the dimorphic fungi (Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, etc.). Each of the following can be used to differentiate the saprophytic from the dimorphic fungi except:View Page
The dimorphic fungus that may produce black, yeast-like colonies after prolonged incubation at 37°C is:View Page

Mycology: Yeasts and Dimorphic Pathogens (retired 2/12/2013)
Match each of the names of the dimorphic fungal species with its corresponding mold form as seen in the photomicrographs.View Page
Match the names of the species of dimorphic fungi listed in the drop-down box with its corresponding yeast form as illustrated in the images.View Page
Match each of the names of the dimorphic fungi listed with the names of the animals that most commonly may be related to transmission of disease to humans.View Page
Match the name of each of the dimorphic fungi listed with the corresponding activity by which infection can be avoided.View Page
Match each of the diseases listed in the drop-down box with the name of its most likely associated dimorphic fungal species.View Page
The colonies shown in the upper image were obtained on blood agar from a sputum specimen after 10 days incubation at 30°C. The lower image is a photomicrograph of a lactophenol blue mount made from a portion of the colony. The diagnosis is:View Page
The growth of the colonies shown in the upper image was obtained on blood agar from a sputum specimen after 8 days of incubation at 30°C. The lower image is a photomicrograph of a lactophenol blue mount made from a portion of the colony. The diagnosis is:View Page
One of the characteristics common to the dimorphic molds is the ability to convert the mold forms to the yeast forms by incubating subcultures in enriched media at 35°-37°C. The upper image illustrates a subculture of a mold colony suspected of being a dimorphic fungus inoculated to the surface of blood agar and incubated for 3 days at 37°C. Note that the colonies have a prickly appearance, suggesting an intermediate stage of conversion. The lower image is a lactophenol blue mount of a portion of one of the prickly colonies. This fungus can be identified as:View Page
This image illustrates a lactophenol blue mount of a mold recovered after 7 days incubation of brain heart infusion broth. The large macroconidia suggests the mold form of Histoplasma capsulatum. However, there is the possibility that this mold represents its saprophytic counterpart, which is:View Page
This image illustrates a lactophenol blue mount prepared from a mold recovered after 7 days incubation on brain heart infusion broth. The individual microconidia, each borne by a delicate conidiophore, suggests the mold form of Blastomyces dermatitidis. However, there is the possibility that this mold represents its saprophytic counterpart, which is called:View Page
Each of the following dimorphic fungal infections have been observed in animals living in their natural environment except:View Page
Procedures for the rapid culture confirmation of suspected colonies of B. dermatitidis, C. immitis and H. capsulatum recovered from clinical specimens include:View Page
The ingredient added to culture media to enhance the recovery of the dimorphic fungi by preventing the overgrowth of more rapidly growing, saprophytic molds is:View Page

Red Cell Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions
A blood smear represented by the photograph was submitted for hematologic review. Based on the erythrocyte morphology and the accompanying histogram, which of the following choices is the most likely situation or condition?View Page
Dimorphic (Double Cell) Population

Dimorphic is a term used to describe two circulating red cell populations. One is the patient's basic red cell population while the other is a second population with distinct morphological features. The distinct populations can be observed in the top image on the right. The bottom image on the right illustrates the two distinct peaks that are observed on the RBC histogram from the automated hematology analyzer.Dimorphic red blood cell populations can be found in conditions/situations such as: red blood cell transfusions, myelodysplasia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, hemolytic processes involving a reticulocyte response, and when patients are given erythropoietin therapy.It is important to recognize when a population of cells in the peripheral smear is not in context with anticipated laboratory findings and the clinical situation.

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