Specimen Requirements

Acceptable Specimens:

Hair, nail, or skin scraping

Fungus smears can be performed on specimen from any part of the body. Gram stain is recommended for esophageal brushing and vaginal sources.

Hair

1. With forceps, collect at least 10 to 12 affected hairs with bases of shafts intact. Place in sterile container.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), specimen source, and date and time of collection.

3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: Specimen source is required.

Nail

1. Wipe nail with 70% alcohol. Clip away generous portion of affected area, and collect material or debris from under the nail. Place material in sterile container.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), specimen source, and date and time of collection.

3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: Specimen source is required.

Skin Scraping

1. Clean affected area with 70% alcohol. Gently scrape surface of skin at active margin of lesion. Place skin scraping (should be about enough to cover head of thumbtack) in sterile container.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), specimen source, and date and time of collection.

3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.
Note: Specimen source is required.