Specimen Requirements
Title
KOH Prep (Fungal Stain)
Specimen Requirement
Preferred Specimen: Collect skin, hair or nail clippings in a sterile cup.
Alternate Specimen: Collect rayon, Dacron or nylon culture swab in bacterial transport media. Also Sputum, Bronchial Lavage or fluid in a sterile cup, must send refrigerated.
Stool is not accepted.
Methodology
Calcofluor White Stain • Microscopic Examination • Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
Stability
Skin/Hair/Nails-Room temp or Refrigerated: 14 days; Swab-Room temp or Refrigerated: 72 hours; Fluid/Bronchial lavage/Sputum-Refrigerated: 72 hours
Reference Range
The reference range is determined by the performing laboratory and will show on the report.
Turnaround
3 days
Clinical Use
This examination can provide the physician with early information regarding the possible need for antifungal treatment.
Test Code
MKOH