Dermatophyte Cultures

The culture plates are looked at weekly as dermatophytes are generally slow growing. Samples for dermatophyte investigation are also looked at under the microscope for the presence or absence of fungal hyphae.

The nature of the infection may assist in identification of the causative fungus as many dermatophytes have characteristic infection patterns.

Non-dermatophytes may also be clinically relevant under certain circumstances.

For fungal infections other than those of nails or skin, see Fungal Culture

Sample type

• Skin scrapings
  
• Nail scrapings / clippings (subungual scrapings are preferred in nail disease)
  
• Hair cuttings

Specimen requirements

• Put the sample in clean folded black paper, then put this in either a sterile universal container or a sealed envelope
• Do not refrigerate, keep dry at room temperature
• State site of lesion and any animal contact

Minimum volume

N/A

Frequency of test

Monday to Friday

Turnaround time

25 days

What to request on EPR

Mycology MCS