Procedure of Specimens for Fungal Examination

Skin

  1. Cleanse area with 70% alcohol and let dry.
  2. With a scalpel, carefully scrape the peripheral edge of the lesion. This is where the fungus is actively growing.
  3. Place scrapings on strong black paper. Fold tightly, and tape at the ends. Place in an envelope for transportation. Label properly.

Nails

  1. Cleanse infected nail(s) with 70% alcohol, and let dry.
  2. Scrape nail(s) deeply enough in order to reach recently invaded nail tissue.
  3. Discard these initial scrapings.
  4. Scrape this underlying nail tissue.
  5. Place these scrapings on strong black paper. Fold tightly, and tape the ends. Place in an envelope for transportation. Label properly.

Hair

  1. Carefully remove infected hair so that the basal portion is attached.
  2. Place on strong black paper as previously described.
  3. In some cases a Woods lamp (UV light) may be used to select infected hairs.
  4. Some dermatophytes cause the infected hairs to fluoresce.