KOH Test For Fungle Infection

The KOH test is a simple medical test that uses a potassium hydroxide solution to examine skin, hair, or nail samples. It helps identify fungal infections by dissolving skin cells and leaving fungal elements visible under a microscope.

KOH Test

Here are the basic details for the KOH Test.

Also Known As	Potassium Hydroxide Test
Type	Fungal Test
Purpose	Detect Fungal Infections
Sample Type	Skin, Hair, or Nail Scrapings
Preparation	None Required
Fasting	Not Required
Gender	Unisex
Age Group	Any
Normal Value	Negative
Reporting Time	Usually within 1-2 days
Cost	300-600 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

KOH Test Means

KOH test stands for "Potassium Hydroxide test."

It is a simple and quick laboratory procedure.
Used to diagnose fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails.
Involves microscopic examination of a sample after treating it with KOH.
Helps identify fungal hyphae and spores under a microscope.

KOH Test Purpose

Here is the basic purpose of the KOH Test.

Detect fungal infections on skin, nails, or hair.
Identifies fungal hyphae and spores under a microscope.
Helps diagnose conditions like athlete's foot and ringworm.
Guides appropriate antifungal treatment.
Evaluates response to treatment and monitors recovery.

KOH Test Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

KOH Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the KOH Test.

Before Test

No special preparations usually required.
Inform your doctor about medications or allergies if relevant.

During Test

A healthcare provider collects a sample using a swab.
The swab may be taken from the affected area.

After Test

No specific post-test instructions are typically needed.
Resume normal activities.

KOH Test Procedure

During a KOH Test Procedure, a healthcare provider will:

Clean and prepare the affected skin area.
Scrape the skin gently to collect a skin sample.
Mix the sample with potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution.
Observe the mixture under a microscope for fungal elements.
Analyze the findings to diagnose fungal skin infection

KOH Test Result

Here are the interpreted KOH Test Results.

Negative Result: A negative result means no fungal infection is detected in the sample. It's a good sign of skin health.
Positive Result: A positive result indicates the presence of a fungal infection, such as athlete's foot or ringworm. Treatment may be needed.

If you have symptoms like itching or skin changes, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

KOH Test Report

KOH Test Report Format Example Sample Template Drlogy Lab Report

KOH Test Report PDF

KOH Test Positive Report

KOH Fungus Routine Examination Positive Test Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

KOH Positive Test Report PDF Format

KOH Test Positive Result Report PDF

KOH Test Negative Report

KOH Fungus Routine Examination Negative Test Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

KOH Negative Test Report PDF Format

KOH Test Negative Result Report PDF

KOH Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the KOH Test.

Test Name	Normal Result
KOH Test	Negative

KOH Test Interpretation

The interpretation for KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) test results is as follows:

KOH Test Result	Interpretation
Negative	No fungal elements detected
Positive	Fungal elements detected

KOH Test Positive Value

Here are the positive value causes for the KOH test:

Causes	Short Info
Fungal Infections	Indicates fungal presence
Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)	Common cause in genital areas
Tinea (Ringworm) Infections	Affects skin, hair, or nails
Dermatophyte Infections	Responsible for skin infections
Cutaneous Candidiasis	Skin and nail yeast infection
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)	Fungal infection of the feet
Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)	Fungal infection in groin area
Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)	Fungal infection of the nails

KOH Test Negative Value

Here are the negative value result meaning for the KOH test:

Negative Result Means	Short Info
No Fungal Infection	Absence of fungal presence
Bacterial or Viral Infections	Different types of infections
Non-fungal Skin Conditions	Skin issues not caused by fungi

Specimen Requirements For KOH Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the KOH Test.

Specimen Type	Bronchial aspirate, Hair, Nails, Pus, Skin, Sputum, or Tissue
Container	Sterile container
Volume	Varies
Transport/Storage	Offsite: Room temperature. Prompt transport within 24 hours. Onsite: Immediately to the Microbiology Lab.
Sample Rejection	Improper labelling, prolonged transit, wrong container, insufficient volume, contamination, fixative. Notification to physician/nursing station for unacceptable specimens.

KOH Test is Safe?

KOH Test is generally safe when performed by a healthcare professional.

Minimal risk of infection or irritation.
Follow proper hygiene practices during the test.

When Do You Get KOH Test Results?

KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) test results are available usually within 1-2 days.
The exact turnaround time may vary depending on the laboratory and specific testing circumstances.

KOH Test Limitation

May not identify all fungal infections.
Requires skilled microscopy for accurate interpretation.
Limited use for non-fungal skin conditions.

KOH Test Risk Factors

Rarely any risk or complications involved.
Minimal chance of skin irritation during sample collection.

Doctor Recommendations After KOH Test Result

Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the KOH test.

CMP Blood Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason
Positive	Dermatologist	Identify and manage conditions
Negative	No specific doctor	Routine or symptom-based care

KOH Test Price

Here are the estimated KOH Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range
Mumbai	300-600
New Delhi	400-600
Bangalore	300-600
Hyderabad	400-600
Kolkata	300-600
Pune	400-600
Lucknow	400-600
Noida	300-600
Surat	400-600
Gurugram	300-600
Patna	400-600
Chennai	300-600
Jaipur	400-600
Ahmedabad	400-600

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, KOH Test is safe test for diagnosing fungal infections of the skin and nails by examining their response to potassium hydroxide, aiding in accurate treatment decisions. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

KOH Test - Wikipedia [1].
Microscopic Potassium Hydroxide KOH Preparation - NIH[2].

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KOH Test FAQ

What is the KOH test?

The KOH (potassium hydroxide) test is a simple laboratory procedure used in microbiology and dermatology to identify fungal infections. It involves mixing a sample of skin, hair, or nail material with a solution of KOH, which helps dissolve human tissue, leaving fungal elements like hyphae and spores visible under a microscope.

Why is the KOH test performed?

The KOH test is performed to diagnose fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. It helps distinguish between fungal and non-fungal conditions, guiding appropriate treatment decisions. It's a valuable tool for healthcare providers and dermatologists when presented with skin or nail abnormalities suspected to be caused by fungi.

Can I do the KOH test at home?

The KOH test is typically performed in a clinical setting by trained healthcare professionals or dermatologists. While the procedure is not overly complex, it requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure accurate results. Attempting to perform the test at home is not recommended, as it may lead to inaccurate or inconclusive findings. It's best to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What do positive KOH test results indicate?

Positive KOH test results indicate the presence of fungal elements in the tested sample. This suggests a fungal infection, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, or nail fungus. The specific type of fungus can often be identified by examining the fungal structures under a microscope, helping guide appropriate treatment decisions. Positive results prompt healthcare providers to prescribe antifungal medications or recommend other suitable therapies to address the infection.