Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Sterile leakproof plastic container or plain test tube.
Preferred Volume: 2 × 2 mm if skin; several hairs
Emergency Minimum Volume: 1 × 1 mm
Collection Procedure: Nail scrapings should be from subsurface portion of infected nail after cleaning area with 70% alcohol. Skin, 2 × 2 mm piece, should be taken from active border of lesion. Hair should include the base of the shaft—do not cut. Submit in sterile leakproof container.
Specimen Processing: Store and transport at room temperature.
Required Patient Info: Specimen source and pertinent clinical information.
Unacceptable Condition: Swabs of infected skin are not acceptable.