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HelpTest Code Billings Clinic: 6689 Potassium Hydroxide Preparation, Nails
Performing Laboratory
Billings Clinic LaboratoryMethodology
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation is used to determine the presence of fungus in various sites such as skin, nails, hair, sputum, etc.Specimen Requirements
1. Remove nail polish and cleanse area with 70% alcohol.2. Clip a generous portion of affected nail and obtain scrapings of excess keratin produced beneath nail.
3. Place into a screw-capped, sterile container.
4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: Specimen source is required on request form for processing.
Reference Values
No fungal elements seenNote: Cultures are more sensitive than smears; therefore, KOH preparation may be negative when culture is positive.