Candida refers to a type of yeast or fungus, which naturally exists in the human body. In most instances, this fungus is quite harmless; however at times, there could be an overgrowth of this fungus in the body, which could lead to a yeast infection. This infection can occur in several places, the most common ones being the folds or the skin or body orifices with mucus membranes. In case a person suffers from a yeast infection, symptoms like itching and burning are common; some women may also notice a thick discharge, with an unpleasant odor. It is important to get a Candida infection treated as soon as possible and therefore people are generally advised to go in for a KOH test for Candida as soon as they notice the symptoms of an infection.
A KOH test for Candida can be described as a medical test, which is conducted to diagnose if a person suffers from an infection caused by the Candida family of fungi. In order to carry out this test, a skin sample from an infected person needs to be tested in a laboratory. Hence, when a person wants to undergo a KOH test for Candida, a small amount of skin sample needs to be taken by scraping the affected part of the body. In the lab, this skin sample is placed under the microscope for testing.
The medical health care expert usually carries out the KOH test for Candida hydroxide, using potassium hydroxide. This test gets its name from the potassium hydroxide, which is why it is known as the KOH test for Candida. After adding this substance, the skin sample is allowed to absorb it for a few minutes and then, it is viewed under the microscope once again. At times, a stain may be required during the procedure, to make the fungi present more visible. In some instances, a phosphate buffer may also be used by the tester who is carrying out the KOH test for Candida with phosphate.
Fortunately, there is no preparation that is required for the KOH test for Candida, nor is any anesthesia used, before scraping the skin off. However, the patient may suffer from some amount of soreness, after the procedure, because the surface of the skin is scraped off. However, before going through any type of KOH test for Candida, including a KOH test for Candida sulfate or phosphate it is best for a patient to speak to the doctor and get additional information.