Rapid screening of invasive fungal infections in the hospital setting using the (1,3)-β-D-glucan assay.

Disseminated candidiasis and other invasive fungal infections are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Diagnosis of disseminated candidiasis via blood culture and skin biopsy can be unreliable and may delay treatment. (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) assay is a rapid, cost-effective, noninvasive diagnostic screening tool for the dermatology hospitalist to consider.