Culture, Fungus, Skin, Hair or Nails
Use
This test is used to detect and identify fungi from superficial sites—skin, hair, or nails. Identifying the specific fungal species can guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy and confirm dermatophyte or other fungal infections.
Special Instructions
Use specimens such as basal hairs, skin scrapings from the active peripheral edge of lesions, or nail scrapings in a sterile, leak‑proof container. Cleanse skin with alcohol before scraping; refrigeration is not recommended as it may inhibit dermatophyte growth.
Limitations
Cultures may take several weeks and false-negative results can occur if specimens are inadequate or if the patient has used antifungal treatment recently. Sterile hyphae may indicate nondiagnostic growth or contaminant; molecular testing may be required.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Skin
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Any amount basal portion or scrapings • 1 swab
Container
Sterile, leak‑proof container; dry swab in sterile container; or swab in bacterial transport medium
Collection Instructions
Remove hairs with forceps, scrape skin or scalp scales, clip nails and include keratin scrapings. Cleanse skin with alcohol before scraping. Cleanse feet and hands before collecting nails.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration is not recommended because it can inhibit dermatophytes.