What is the Test?
🔬 A diagnostic test used to detect fungal infections in skin, hair, nails, and other clinical samples.
🧪 Involves adding potassium hydroxide (KOH) to a specimen to dissolve non-fungal elements, making fungi more visible under a microscope.
Purpose of the Test
✅ Helps diagnose fungal infections like dermatophytosis, candidiasis, and tinea infections.
✅ Differentiates fungal infections from other skin conditions.
✅ Quick and cost-effective method for immediate results.
Normal Ranges & Interpretation
📌 Normal Result: No fungal elements seen.
📌 Abnormal Result: Presence of hyphae, budding yeast cells, or spores, indicating a fungal infection.
Procedure
1️⃣ A sample (skin scraping, hair, nail, or secretion) is collected.
2️⃣ KOH solution (10-20%) is added to the specimen on a slide.
3️⃣ The slide is gently heated or allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes.
4️⃣ The sample is examined under a microscope for fungal elements.
Advantages
✔️ Rapid and simple test
✔️ No need for complex equipment
✔️ Immediate preliminary results