Fungal Examination, Routine KOH Preparation - Test, Procedure & Cost

A KOH preparation test is a simple procedure for determining fungal infections of the face or nails. Also, fungal cultures support diagnosing fungal infections.

What are fungi?

They are microorganisms embodied by essence in their cell walls called chitin. Some fungi, for example, mushrooms, can be eaten. Other fungi, like aspergillus, can be in highly hazardous conditions. Some common fungal infections-

• athlete’s Foot
• ringworm infection
• onychomycosis
• fungal infections of the nail 

What do you understand by the fungal infection? 

Fungal infections are more common in immunocompromised cases. The direct examination provides an immediate early plausible opinion and inauguration of antifungal therapy. These diseases can be transmitted easily through contaminated food and water.

Fungal Infection Symptoms 

A fungal face infection might cause-

•  Vexation  Scaled 
• face Greenishness 
•  Itching
• Swelling    

What's a Fungal Culture Test

A fungal cultivation test is exercised to detect whether you have a fungal infection. This test is usually used to see which fungi I am affected by. The test is also exercised to support and guide treatment and to know if treatment is working out. 

Fungal KOH Preparation Test

The KOH Test is advised for patients who have active symptoms of fungal infection. The dynamic signs of fungal infection are-

• Red color patches
• rashes
• Rashes for a long time

This test helps in the detection of fungal infections. Fungal infections are opportunistic infections. The patient attains these through any medium.

Fungal infections can involve any organ of the body, like the face, the vagina, or even the fingers. Many children by birth can have fungal infections, which are inherited.

KOH preparation is done in the laboratory for the diagnosis of the fungal infection by which the patient is affected

How is it done?

• The lab technician bruises off  the area of the sample collection the skin using a needle 
• These scrapings from the skin are put over a microscope slide.
• The chemical potassium hydroxide (KOH) is added to the scrapping.
• The slide is examined under the microscope.
• The chemical Koh helps to dissolve the cellular matrix of material and hence detect the fungus.