Table 3.
Comparison of fungal diagnostic methods (KOH examination, fungal culture, histopathological examination, ex vivo CLSM, in vivo CLSM and PCR) concerning time frame until diagnosis, costs per examination (according to the German medical fee schedule), acquisition costs, and the costs of material, and personnel as well as the possibility to differentiate between species of the fungi.
| Diagnostic method | Time frame until diagnosis | Costs per examination (Euro) | Acquisition costs + material/personnel | Differentiation of species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOH native preparation | ca. 30 min | 8.04 | Low | No |
| Fungal culture | 3–4 weeks | 14.75 | Low | Possible |
| Histology | 1–2 days | 85.66 | High (lab + material + personnel) | No |
| Ex vivo CLSM | Real-time | 187.68 | High (device + material + personnel) | No |
| In vivo CLSM | Real-time | 140.76 | High (device + personnel) | No |
| PCR | 1–2 days | 194.4 | High (several devices + material + personnel) | Possible |
CLSM, confocal laser scanning microscopy; KOH, potassium hydroxide; PCR, polymerase chain reaction.