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Test Code CXFNS Culture, Fungal, Skin, Hair, Nails with Fungal Stain

Performing Laboratory

Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory

Specimen Type

Hair/Nails:

After selecting the infected area, remove at least 10 hairs and scrape scalp scales, if present. Scrape  infected  nail area or collect nail clippings. Transport in sterile container. 

Skin Scrapings:

Skin surface should be disinfected with 70% alcohol. Sample should be collected from the edge of the lesion and submitted in a sterile container or between two glass slides taped together.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Transport under dry conditions. Avoid humidity in collection container.

Ambient: Deliver within 2 hours.

If delivery is delayed: Refrigerate at 2-8°C.

Specimen Stability Information

24 hours.

Inoculation of appropriate media must occur within 24 hours.

Reject Due To

Inadequate amount of specimen may yield false negative results.

Collection of specimens from draining wound or open lesions are not recommended, as they are frequently contaminated with environmental microorganisms.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday.

Reference Values

No fungus identified.

Preliminary reports are issued weekly, final report issued after 4 weeks of incubation.

Method Name

Conventional culture and identification method. Mold isolates are referred to Mayo Medical Laboratories (MML) for complete identification.