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Test Name

Skin Scrapings (Mycology)

Synonyms

Fungi culture
Fungal culture
Nail scraping
Ringworm

Adult Specimen

Scrapings from skin lesions, nails or scalp, hair pluckings

Specimen Collection and Transport Protocols

Scrapings must be taken from the outside edge of the lesion using a scalpel blade held at right angles to the skin. Send specimen along with scalpel blade in a sterile urine pot. A routine bacterial swab should also be submitted. Patients may be referred to Laboratory Outpatients Monday – Friday for specimen collection.

Department

Microbiology

Test Availability

Mon - Sun, 0800 - 1630

Laboratory Turnaround Time

Microscopy 24 hours, Monday – Friday.Negative cultures 4 weeksPositive cultures 2 to 4 weeks

Method

Microscopy & culture

Additional Information

Hair: No cleaning of scalp is needed.
Select infected areas, using forceps epilate at least 10 hairs.
For hairs broken off at the scalp level, use a scalpel or a blade knife.
Nail: For a specimen of the dorsal plate, scrape the outer surface and discard the scrapings. Then scrape the deeper portion for a specimen. Remove a portion of debris from under the nail with a scalpel. Collect the whole nail or nail clippings. Skin and interspaces: Scrape the entire lesion(s), especially the edges, and both sides of interspaces with a sterile scalpel.

Laboratory Test Reference Guide

Laboratory Information