10689-8

LOINC 2.82

Microscopic observation [Identifier] in Nail by KOH preparation

KOH Prep Nail

Definition

  • A KOH Preparation involves treating a specimen with KOH, a strong base that can make fungi and yeast more visible by partial dissolution of tissue cells, keratin, and other material. Fungal cells are resistant due to the high content of cellular chitin. KOH prep is generally a test for fungi, most often candida yeast, but others too, such as tinea capitis and other skin or nail fungal infections, even blastomycosis, etc. However, the KOH prep is also used to diagnose infections with mites (Demodex folliculorum in rosacea-like lesions and Sarcoptes scabiei in hyperkeratotic or crusted scabies) and sometimes even nematodes (in blue neck syndrome). [PMID:16766846]

Component

  • Observation

Specimen / system

  • Nail

Class

  • MICRO

Property

  • Prid

Scale

  • Nom

Method

  • KOH preparation

Related names

  • ID; Identity or presence; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; Microbiology; Nails; Nominal; Point in time; Potassium hydroxide preparation; Prep; Random; Ungal nail

Index terms

  • ID
  • Identity or presence
  • Infectious Disease
  • InfectiousDisease
  • Microbiology
  • Nails
  • Nominal
  • Point in time
  • Potassium hydroxide preparation
  • Prep
  • Random
  • Ungal nail