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KOH Test For Fungi



 Submitted by Nic on June 14, 2011
KOH is the chemical name for Potassium Hydroxide. This is a substance used for the analysis of a sample of tissue from a patient for the presence of fungus. The KOH test for fungi is usually conducted on a sample of skin tissue to figure out if the sample is contaminated with fungus or not. The KOH test for fungus is carried out on a sample of skin tissue that has been scraped off the surface of the patient’s body. This tissue will usually be scraped off an area where there is some visible abnormality such as a rash or a patch of whitish skin.  

The KOH test for fungus is carried out in a laboratory under specific conditions so that the sample can be accurately tested. The part of the skin being tested is placed onto a slide. This slide is then washed with KOH solution. The KOH test for fungus is designed to wash away other cells of the body and leave fungus cells in place. In most cases, the KOH test for fungus is done using a dye which will illuminate certain cells within the tissue sample. The dye used for the KOH test for fungus may illuminate the background or the fungus itself. This depends on which type of dye is used. Once the dyeing process is complete, the slid will be analyzed under a microscope. During this analysis, the technician will be able to notice if there are any tell-tale signs of a fungal infection. The size and shape of any fungal growth noticed during the KOH test for fungus will be used for a diagnosis of the type of infection that has affected the patient. Once the type of fungus has been identified, further testing may be performed. However, in most cases, this identification is enough to begin treatment.

There is no such thing as a KOH test for bacteria or a KOH test for virus. The KOH test is exclusively used for fungus and is classified in such a way. There are many other testing procedures that can be used to test for viral infections or for bacterial infections. The KOH test for fungus may be delayed if the sample is placed in an incubator. This is done to promote the growth of any existing fungus so that this fungus will be more clearly visible under microscopic examination. The growth of the fungus will also increase the chances of it being correctly identified.
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