Test Information:
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation is used for the rapid detection of fungal elements in clinical specimen, as it clears the specimen making fungal elements more visible during direct microscopic examination.
Specimen Container:
Sterile Container or Plain or Amies swab
Specimen Type:
- Hair
- Skin scrapings
- Nail clippings
- Blood
- Aspirates and discharges
- Tissues or mass
- Sterile body fluids
- Other body fluids
- Urine
Required Volume:
- Tissue: portion of affected tissue
- Blood and other body fluids: 0.5 to 2 mL
- Nails and Skin scrapings: Generous portion of affected area.
- Hair: 10 to 12 affected hair
Patient Preparation:
1. Nails: Remove nail polish, if present.
- Wipe nail with 70% alcohol pad. Air dry.
- Clip a generous portion of the affected area plus scrapings of the excess keratin under the nail.
- Scrape away the outer portion and obtain scrapings from the deeper infected area.
2. Hair: At least 10 to 12 affected hair with the base of the shaft intact should be collected with forceps.
3. Skin: Remove make-up, lotion, ointment or any powdery and oily material which can interfere with the test.
- Clean skin with 70% alcohol pad or clean with soap and water.
- Air dry. Gently scrape the surface of the skin at the actual margin(periphery) of the lesion.
Notes:
1. Specimen must be collected in sterile condition.
- Include in Internal Message/Remarks: Room #, type of specimen, site of collection and special remarks/endorsement.
- Please indicate Time and Date of Collection.
Storage & Stability
(Before Processing)
- For CSF:
Storage: 18 to 24˚C
Stability: 1 hour from the time of collection - For other specimen type:
Storage: 18 to 24˚C
Stability: 24 hours from the time of collection
Transport Temperature:
Room (18˚C – 24˚C)
Test Category:
Routine
Test Schedule:
Daily (Cut-off: 2100H)
Results Availability:
• Within 6 hours if received before cut-off.
• Specimen received beyond cut-off; 12 to 24 hours.