KOH tests for fungus are used to detect fungal infections in the human body. These tests help guide treatment for fungal infections. If a fungal infection has already been diagnosed, the KOH test for fungus can help monitor the effectiveness of the treatment being given out.
Usually, a KOH test fungal smear is not needed because most yeast and fungal infections can be diagnosed with the help of a superficial examination. The doctor may take a skin sample to examine it under the microscope. The doctor may also create cultures for the skin sample to find out the nature of the fungus. These fungal cultures would help in diagnosing the species of the fungi which may be causing persistent deeper infections, especially in the lungs and other vital organs of the body. To create these cultures, a nutrient media is used so that bacterial growth is inhibited and only fungal growth is supported for a few weeks. The fungal growth is then identified and the doctors determine the best antifungal remedy for the treatment of the fungus.
The KOH test for fungus is ideal for diagnosing the presence of fungal infections and identifying the kind of fungus that is causing the affliction. Once the fungus is identified, the doctor can suggests anti fungal medications and topical ointments as well. Apart from the KOH test for fungi, KOH test for bacteria may also be used to rule out the involvement of bacteria in the infection. To test for fungal antigens, blood tests may also be performed. From the blood tests, fungal antigens are identified and specific treatment measures are then taken.
For each of the KOH tests, cultures are made and Potassium Hydroxide solution is used to perform the titration. The KOH test for candida is one such KOH test for fungus where the test is used to check for yeast infestation in the body. To perform a KOH test for fungus, a scraping sample is taken from the margins of the skin where the infection is seen. The scraping is mounted on a clean slide and a 10% KOH solution is dropped onto the slide using a dropper. Two to three drops of the KOH solution is usually enough for the preparation of the slide. The slide is then warmed and a drop of lactophenol cotton blue is added to the slide. As soon as the lactophenol cotton blue is added, the slide is then placed under a microscope and examined under high magnification.