Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.

Place specimen in a leakproof, sterile container or submit swab(s).
1. For hair fungal culture collect, with forceps, up to 12 affected hairs with bases of shafts intact.
2. For nail specimen, wipe nail with 70% alcohol gauze (do not use cotton). Clip away as much of the affected nail as possible.
3. For skin scrapings, cleanse the affected area with 70% alcohol. Gently scrape the active margin (periphery of the lesion).
4. Label container with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
5. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

2. Maximum storage of specimen for fungus culture is 24 hours refrigerated.

Exception:  Maximum storage of hair, skin scrapings, and nail specimens is 24 hours at room temperature.