Mushroom Poisoning and the Laboratory's Role in Monitoring Patients (Online CE Course)

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Authors: Garland E. Pendergraph, PhD, JD, MLS(ASCP)SM, HCLD/CC(ABB) and Kwi Simmons, BS, MS, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewers: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM and Amy Dellapenna, MS, M(ASCP)CM BA, MLT(ASCP)CM

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This course introduces the basics of mushroom poisoning and the laboratory's role in monitoring patients suspected of mushroom poisoning. The reader will be able to identify the seven major mushroom poisons and list the major symptoms associated with each poison. Summarize the treatments suggested for each of the discussed toxins and recognize the two phyla of fungi that contain mushroom species confirmed as poisonous.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 3/31/2026
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - General (Clinical Chemistry/UA/Toxicology): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 3/31/2026

Objectives

  • Recognize the two phyla of fungi that contain mushroom species confirmed as poisonous.
  • Identify the seven primary mushroom poisons and list the major symptoms associated with each.
  • Summarize the treatments suggested for each of the discussed toxins.
  • State examples of laboratory tests used to monitor patients exposed to mushroom poisoning.

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(based on 235 customer ratings)

Course Outline

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Additional Information

Level of Instruction:  Basic
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information:
Garland E. Pendergraph, PhD, JD, MLS(ASCP)SM, HCLD/CC(ABB), received his MSPH from the University of Kentucky, his PhD in medical parasitology/entomology and mycology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his law degree with a concentration in health care law from Concord Law School, Purdue University. He also did a Fellowship in Tropical Medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. He is the author of a textbook in phlebotomy, a number of scientific articles, plus internet training programs. He is licensed as a laboratory director in the State of Georgia.
Kwi Simmons, BS, MS, MLS(ASCP), received her baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory science from Thomas University and her master’s degree in clinical molecular genetics from Northern Michigan University. She is the author of an internet program on prion diseases.
The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.
Amy Dellapenna, MS, M(ASCP)CM, BA, MLT(ASCP)CM, received her Master of Science in Biomedical Anthropology from Binghamton University in 2018 and her Bachelor of Arts in History from Binghamton University in 2002. She is an ASCP-certified Microbiologist with over 10 years of microbiology experience in New York State, with experience in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the Clinical Manager of the South Georgia Medical Center Microbiology department and is highly experienced in molecular assay processes, especially validations, as well as ASM bacteriology.
Course Description: This course introduces the basics of mushroom poisoning and the laboratory's role in monitoring patients suspected of mushroom poisoning. The reader will be able to identify the seven primary mushroom poisons and list the major symptoms associated with each poison. The reader will also be able to summarize the treatments suggested for each of the discussed toxins and recognize the two phyla of fungi that contain mushroom species confirmed as poisonous. 

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 257 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Figure 3. Amanita velosa


Figure 13. Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) on a birch tree


Figure 4. Classification of fungi