KOH test

Healthwise
By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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A potassium hydroxide (KOH) test is done to determine whether a fungus is causing a skin infection. Samples from an infected area are treated with KOH, which dissolves skin cells and leaves behind fungus cells (if any are present) that can been seen with a microscope.

The KOH test may be used to diagnose fungal infections, such as thrush, tinea versicolor, and ringworm.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007

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