KOH PREP

Message

Performed in the Microbiology Laboratory X65785

Test Code

KOH

Alias/See Also

Fungus Smear

CPT Codes
87220 (skin hair nails) 87210 (Tissue)

Includes

Microscopic examination for yeast/fungal elements

Preferred Specimen

Tissue biopsy
Skin scraping
Hair
Nails

Instructions

Skin: Disinfect surface with 70% alcohol. Collect specimen from the edge of the lesion. Place in dry urine cup or tube or may inoculate medium directly (obtained from lab), or place between 2 glass slides taped together and placed in slide carrier or urine cup.
Hair: Scrape scalp and collect 10 broken hairs.
Nail: Scrap infected nail bed area or clip infected nail. Scalp: scrape with sterile toothbrush or small hairbrush.
Tissue: Collect approximately pea size specimen. Transport with just enough nonbacteriostatic saline to prevent drying.

Transport Container

Sterile, screw cap container

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Will not be performed on swab specimens or directly inoculated slides from ocular lesions.

Methodology
Microscopic exam

Setup Schedule

Test Performed Monday through Friday 6am-5pm

Limitations

KOH is not recommended as a screen for Yeast (Candia) or Fungal elements without a fungal culture, Culture,Fungal CXFUN or Culture, Fungal Skin CXFNS

Reference Range

Negative

Performing Laboratory
Microbiology X65785/ X65786

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.