Specimen Requirements

Dermatophytosis: Dermatophytosis is a fungal disease that involves the superficial areas of the body, namely the skin, hair and nails. It is recommended that all patients requiring skin scraping for fungus culture or KOH prep be referred to the laboratory for the pathologist to obtain the specimen. No additional charge is made for the service.

Requisition:

The request form is completed with the necessary patient information and test requested.

Specimen source is required.

Specimen Type: Hair

Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 10-12 Pieces of Hair

Collection Instructions: For possible scalp fungal infections, hair roots are the best sample.  Pluck approximately 10 hairs from an active scaling area with a hemostat or rub a 2x2 gauze vigorously on an area of alopecia and scaling.  Place the broken-off hairs into a specimen container (the stool collection container works well) for transport to the laboratory.

Specimen Type: Nails and/or debris from under nail
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions: Laboratory staff can collect nail specimens, but if you would like to collect the sample, remove as much nail as possible with clean nail clippers to expose the most proximally involved area, then scrape the subungual debris onto a slide with a 1 to 2 mm curette.  Tape another slide over the first to contain the specimen.  Place the nail clippings and the glass slides into a specimen container (the stool collection container works well) for transport to the lab.

Specimen Type: Skin
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions: Clean the skin with an alcohol preparation.  Use the side of a clean glass slide to scrape material loose from the leading edge of the lesion; if there are pustules or vesicles, scrape the roof onto a glass slide.  Tape another slide over the first to contain the specimen.  Place the slides into a specimen container (the stool collection container works well) for transport to the laboratory. 

Specimen Type: Oral
Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Adequate amount

Collection Instructions: For oral candidiasis, use a tongue blade to scrape white plaques onto a clean glass slide. Tape another slide over the first to contain the specimen.  Place the glass slides into a specimen container (the stool collection container works well) for transport to the lab.

Transportation:

1. The specimen(s) is transported to the laboratory in a covered container.

2. If the container has a loose fitting lid, such as a Petrie Plate, the margins should be sealed closed with scotch tape, thus preventing contamination of personnel and other patients.

3. Specimens should be stored and transported at ambient temperature.