Office Tests These procedures can be performed in the office, with immediate results. |
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![]() Gross Microscopy |
Plain microscopy can be useful for analyzing species of mites and lice. |
![]() 10% KOH prep |
Adding 10% KOH solution during microscopic examination will allow confirmation of fungal infections. |
Wood's Lamp | Certain microorganisms will fluoresce when the specific wavelength of Wood's lamp illuminates a region of skin. Useful in diagnosing dermatophyte infections, especially tinea capitis, and is also useful for diagnosis of erythrasma. |
Laboratory Tests Lab procedures require that a specimen be transported off-site for examination. Results may take up to a week. |
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Biopsy | A biopsy can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, therefore, it is included in both this reference and the treatment reference. The three types of biopsies are shave, punch, and elliptical. |
Cultures | Bacterial cultures are not routinely performed because the pattern of dermatologic lesion is often indicative of the offending bacteria. However, HSV and fungal cultures are often of use in confirming a diagnosis or verifying the species of fungus involved. (Note that HSV culture has been replaced in some centers by the direct fluorescent antibody test, with a 2-day turnaround time). |
Serology | Serology is used to evaluate for certain systemic conditions that can manifest with skin symptoms. Examples used in dermatologic diagnosis include ANA, VDRL, HIV, Lyme titer and Hepatitis B surface antigen. |