Wet Mount Preparation (Saline and KOH)

Submit one of the following specimens:

• Skin, nail and body fluid- Refer to fungus culture hair, skin, nail for detailed collection instructions.
• Genital - Refer to genital or vaginal culture for detailed genital site collection instructions.
• Vaginal - Specimens may consist of vaginal exudate collected on a cotton-tipped swab.  Should be sent to the laboratory in saline.
• Bronchial wash, Sputum - Refer to specific respiratory culture for detailed collection instructions.
• Tissue, biopsy aspirate - 1.0 gram of tissue.  Send specimen at room temperature in a screw-capped, sterile container.  Refrigerate specimen if a delay in transport is expected.

Send specimen to the laboratory immediately at room temperature.

All specimens should be labeled with patient information, specimen source (location), and/or method of collection, along with the date and time of specimen collection.

Vaginal Source:  No yeast, trichomonas or "clue cells" seen.

Non-vaginal source:  No fungal elements seen.

Trichomonas identification is based on motility.  Specimens should be sent to the laboratory at room temperature immediately after collection.  Prolonged transport of specimen or refrigeration may compromise the survivability of trichomonas.

87210 - Wet mount for infectious agents (saline, KOH preps) or
87220 - KOH of tissue (skin, hair, nails) for fungi or ectoparasite ova or mites (eg scabies)