Moist chamber preparation allows the direct microscopic observation of fungal culture without disturbing the colony for several times.
In this technique, agar block is prepared of Sabouraud dextrose agar by pouring sterile molten medium in a sterile petri plate. The thickness of the medium is usually kept at about 2-3 mm. After solidification, cut a block of about 5 mm square by means of scalpel in the sterile condition and transfer it to the centre of sterile glass slide. With the help of straight wire inoculate the edges of the block with sample and carefully apply a sterile cover slip over the preparation. Transfer the whole preparation onto a sterile U-shaped glass rod, laid horizontally inside the sterile petri dish, to support the culture chamber. Glycerol (20%) or water is added in the petri dish to prevent drying (Figure 3-4). Replace the petri dish lid and incubate it by keeping right side up at room temperature until growth is adequate.
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