In the face of the rise of Candida auris, Controllab’s Proficiency Testing is an essential ally to strengthen laboratories’ diagnostic readiness.
In April 2025, Anvisa published Risk Alert GVIMS/GGTES/DIRE3/ANVISA No. 01/2025, emphasizing the need for surveillance and preparedness of healthcare services in response to the growing outbreak of Candida auris.
Classified as an emerging pathogen, this multidrug-resistant fungus has been identified in various healthcare institutions, with significant occurrences in hospital settings, requiring heightened attention from clinical laboratories regarding its accurate identification.
According to the agency, the rapid spread of Candida auris, its resistance to multiple antifungals, and the difficulty of detection by conventional laboratory methods threaten the effectiveness of infection control measures.
In this context, diagnostic accuracy is crucial for the early detection of cases and the implementation of appropriate control measures. This helps prevent the spread of the fungus, contain outbreaks, and ensure proper case management, promoting greater patient safety.
How to ensure the reliability of your Candida tests?
To support laboratories in the challenge of accurately identifying Candida auris and other relevant species, Controllab, a leader in quality control in Latin America, offers the Proficiency Testing (PT) program, also known as External Quality Control (EQC), for molecular diagnosis of Candida.
The Candida PT – Molecular Biology evaluates laboratories’ performance in conducting molecular tests, using PCR techniques for the detection and differentiation of the following species:
- Candida sp.
- Candida albicans
- Candida auris
- Candida glabrata
- Candida guilliermondii
- Candida krusei
- Candida parapsilosis
- Candida tropicalis
The samples distributed in the testing contain the complete genome of the microorganisms, simulating real clinical examination conditions. This format allows laboratories to accurately assess the performance of their routines and detect analytical deviations, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes.
Controllab’s External Quality Controls are conducted according to ISO/IEC 17043, designed to meet accreditation requirements and national regulatory standards such as the Brazilian standard RDC 786/2023, as well as international regulations.
In addition to the Candida PT – Molecular Biology, Controllab offers other programs that strengthen the reliability of analytical processes and support laboratory routines in identifying Candida and other fungi:
- Epidemiological Surveillance Cultures for the detection of Candida auris.
- Mycology, which includes culture, identification, and susceptibility testing for filamentous and yeast-like fungi.
- Sequencing: Detection of Fungal and Yeast Genomes, using PCR-based molecular techniques and samples containing the complete genome of the microorganisms.
Want more reliability in your Candida testing?
Speak now with a Controllab specialist and discover how to elevate the quality of your analyses.