KOH test

KOH test is a quick and cost-effective method used in medicine to diagnose fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. The test is named after the chemical used in the procedure, potassium hydroxide (KOH).

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The KOH test involves scraping the affected area of the skin, hair, or nails and placing the sample on a microscope slide. A few drops of a solution containing KOH are added to the sample. The slide is then gently heated, which dissolves the cells but leaves the fungal cells intact. The slide is examined under a microscope to identify the presence of fungal cells.

Uses[edit | edit source]

The KOH test is primarily used to diagnose:

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
Tinea corporis (ringworm)
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)
Tinea unguium (fungal nail infection)
Candidiasis (yeast infection)

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit | edit source]

The main advantage of the KOH test is its speed and cost-effectiveness. The test can be performed quickly in a doctor's office or a lab, and the results are available immediately. However, the test may not always be accurate. It may not detect a fungal infection if the number of fungal cells in the sample is low. It may also give a false positive result if the sample is contaminated with other types of cells.

See Also[edit | edit source]

KOH test Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.