Airborne fungal spore monitoring: between analyst proficiency testing

This study presents the results of a Europe-wide training and Quality Control (QC) exercise carried out within framework European Aerobiology Society’s QC Working Group. The main aim this was to examine feasibility carrying for fungal spore monitoring in Europe, using similar methodology one previously used pollen. survey conducted two parts: (1) Coordinators national regional aerobiological networks Europe involved atmospheric spores were invited complete questionnaire related their network asked whether they interested taking part an external inter-laboratory exercise; (2) Participating performed ring test with same sample slide order determine reproducibility identifying counting taxa (Alternaria Epicoccum) air samples collected by Hirst-type volumetric trap. Participants instructed read five separate longitudinal transects “effective collecting area” slide. Reproducibility analysis determined following method exercises Thirty-two counters from 16 or participated exercise. Coefficients Variation (CV%) ranged 23.0 22.5 when reading transect 14.0 16.0 Alternaria Epicoccum, respectively. Considering CV% 30 as limit spores, no significant differences observed between absolute errors two, three, four transects. only difference We recommend that should be on about 5% (two study) because not significantly different