This document provides information about the KOH prep test performed in the microbiology department. The test involves direct microscopic examination of a specimen for fungal elements after treatment with potassium hydroxide. Acceptable specimens include those from the skin, hair, nails, and respiratory and tissue sources. Proper collection and transport of specimens within 24 hours is required for accurate results. A negative result means no fungal elements were seen, while positive results require physician notification. Cultures may be more sensitive than the KOH prep.
This document provides information about the KOH prep test performed in the microbiology department. The test involves direct microscopic examination of a specimen for fungal elements after treatment with potassium hydroxide. Acceptable specimens include those from the skin, hair, nails, and respiratory and tissue sources. Proper collection and transport of specimens within 24 hours is required for accurate results. A negative result means no fungal elements were seen, while positive results require physician notification. Cultures may be more sensitive than the KOH prep.
This document provides information about the KOH prep test performed in the microbiology department. The test involves direct microscopic examination of a specimen for fungal elements after treatment with potassium hydroxide. Acceptable specimens include those from the skin, hair, nails, and respiratory and tissue sources. Proper collection and transport of specimens within 24 hours is required for accurate results. A negative result means no fungal elements were seen, while positive results require physician notification. Cultures may be more sensitive than the KOH prep.
This document provides information about the KOH prep test performed in the microbiology department. The test involves direct microscopic examination of a specimen for fungal elements after treatment with potassium hydroxide. Acceptable specimens include those from the skin, hair, nails, and respiratory and tissue sources. Proper collection and transport of specimens within 24 hours is required for accurate results. A negative result means no fungal elements were seen, while positive results require physician notification. Cultures may be more sensitive than the KOH prep.
Collection: Offsite collections: Do not refrigerate, store at room temperature.
Specimens must be promptly transported to the laboratory, with the next available courier, not to exceed 24 hours from the time of collection. However, delayed transport causes a delay of test results.
Bronchoscopy: 1. Specimen obtained by physician through the biopsy channel of the bronchoscope. 2. Transfer specimen into a luki tube.
Hair:
1. With forceps, collect at least 10 - 12 affected hairs with the base of
the shaft intact. 2. Place in sterile container.
Nails:
1. Remove nail polish.
2. Wipe nail with 70% alcohol using gauze (not cotton). 3. Clip a generous portion of the affected area and collect scrapings of the excess keratin produced under the nail. 4. Place in sterile container.
Skin:
1. Gently scrape the surface of the skin at the active margin of the lesion. Do not draw blood. 2. Place scrapings between two clean glass slides.
Pus, Exudate or Drainage:
1. Using a sterile needle and syringe, aspirate material from undrained
abscesses. 2. Place in a sterile container.
Sputum (Expectorate):
1. Collect early morning specimen under the direct supervision of a
nurse or a physician. 2. Have patient rinse or gargle with water to remove superficial flora. 3. Instruct patient to cough deeply to produce a lower respiratory specimen. 4. Do not submit saliva. 5. Place in a sterile container.
Sputum (Induced):
1. Have patient rinse mouth with water after brushing gums and tongue. 2. With the aid of a nebulizer, have patients inhale ~25 mL of 3 to 10% sterile saline. 3. Collect the induced sputum in a sterile container.
Tissue:
1. Submit in sterile container.
2. For small samples, add a few drops of sterile saline to keep moist. 3. Do not allow tissue to dry out. 4. The portion of the biopsy specimen submitted for culture should be separated from the portion submitted for histopathology by the surgeon or pathologist.
Transport/Storage: Onsite collections: Transport to the Microbiology Laboratory
immediately.
Offsite collections: Do not refrigerate, store at room temperature.
Specimens must be promptly transported to the laboratory, with the next available courier, not to exceed 24 hours from the time of collection. However, delayed transport causes a delay of test results.
Patient Preparation: Sterile preparation of collection site.
Sample Rejection: Improperly labeled specimen;specimens with prolonged transit time
(see Transport/Storage for requirements); specimen not submitted in appropriate transport container; insufficient volume; external contamination; specimen in fixative. If an unacceptable specimen is received, the physician or nursing station will be notified and another specimen will be requested before the specimen is discarded.
Interpretive
Reference Range: No fungal elements seen.
Critical Values: Sperules consistent with Coccidiodes immitis or broad-based, budding
yeast consistent with the tissue phase of Blastomyces dermatitidis. Physician will be notified.
Limitations: The sensitivity of a KOH prep is relatively low (20-75%). If the specimen is from the mucous membranes, bronchial aspirate, or sputum, a Gram Stain may be more sensitive.
Cultures are usually more sensitive than KOH preparations or gram
stains. Refer to Fungal Culture or Yeast Culture. The test may require overnight incubation for complete disintegration of hair, nail, or skin debris.
Methodology: Direct microscopic exam of proteinaceous material after hydrolysis with
10% KOH.
References: Cook, JH, and M Pezzlo (1992). Specimen receipt and accessioning. Section 1. Aerobic bacteriology, 1.2.1-4. In HD Isenberg (ed) Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook. American Society for Microbiology, Washington DC
Miller, J Michael (1999) A Guide To Specimen Management in Clinical
Microbiology, American Society for Microbiology, Washington DC
Miller, J Michael, and HT Holmes (1999) Specimen Collection,
Transport, and Storage In PR Murray et al, (ed), Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 7th edition, American Society for Microbiology, Washington DC, pp 33-104 Updates: 3/9/2011: Added references to Gram Stain.| 11/20/2014: Offsite information added.
From A Biomedical Scientist to A Clinical Scientist The UK Science Training Programme via Equivalence (STPE) Step-by-Step Process: Continuing Professional Development in Pathology For Medical Laboratory Professionals
From A Biomedical Scientist to A Clinical Scientist The UK Science Training Programme via Equivalence (STPE) Step-by-Step Process: Continuing Professional Development in Pathology For Medical Laboratory Professionals
