Specimen type

Culture and identification of dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes from skin, nail and hair

Optimal time of specimen collection

No specific time, when patient presents with clinical presentation of superficial fungal infection and onychomycosis

Correct specimen type and method of collection

Skin: scrapings in Dermapak, or similar envelope.
Hair: plucked hair roots and hair shaft
Nail: nail clippings, scrapings of sub-ungual debris
Subcutaneous lesions: scrapings, punch biopsies

Quantity and number of specimens

Adequate scrapings and clippings for direct microscopy and culture

Laboratory analysis

Direct microscopy and culture for yeasts, dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes. Full identification.

Transport

As per Microbiology guidelines

Turnaround time

Direct microscopy: 1-2 days
Culture and identification

• yeasts: 1-3 days
• dermatopytes: 1-3 weeks
• non-dermatophytes: 1 week

Indicative cost per sample

£12.54