Specimen Requirements

Container Type: Sterile container.
Specimen Type: Oral, body fluids and tissues, respiratory collections. Skin scrapings, nails, hair.
Preferred Volume: See below.
Collection Procedure: Specify source of specimen and include any pertinent clinical information. Nail and Skin: Nail and skin scrapings should be from subsurface portion of the infected nail. Skin should be taken from active border of the lesion. Hair for dermatophytes: Place hair, including base of shaft, in sterile plastic container. Other specimens: submit in screw-capped leakproof plastic container.
Specimen Processing: Store and transport Body fluids and respiratory collections refrigerated. Skin scrapings or nails in clean dry container at room temperature.
Limitations Swab: in culturette NOT RECOMMENDED.