KOH Prep Oral, Vaginal, Esophageal Brushing
Test Code: KOHOV
CPT Code: 87210
Test Name
KOH Prep Oral, Vaginal, Esophageal Brushing
Epic Test Code
LAB251
Alias
KOH Oral, Vaginal, Esophageal Brushing; KOH Prep; Fungal Smear; Fungus Smear
Specimen Type
Sterile container or swab, ambient
Specimen Container
Collect One of the Following:
● One eSwab from an oral (e.g. tongue, mouth) or vaginal source
● One non-cotton (dacron or polyester) swab in 0.5 mL sterile saline from an oral (e.g. tongue, mouth) or vaginal source
● Esophageal brushing collected aseptically and immediately placed in a sterile container with 0.5 mL sterile saline
● One eSwab from an oral (e.g. tongue, mouth) or vaginal source
● One non-cotton (dacron or polyester) swab in 0.5 mL sterile saline from an oral (e.g. tongue, mouth) or vaginal source
● Esophageal brushing collected aseptically and immediately placed in a sterile container with 0.5 mL sterile saline
Specimen Handling
Source of specimen is required with order.
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimen collected on a cotton swab
Methodology
Fungal KOH Preparation
Schedule
Weekdays
Reporting Time
Final: 3 days
Additional Information
Clinical Significance: Any specimen that is submitted for fungal culture can be examined microscopically for fungal elements. The KOH exam can provide the physician with early information regarding the possible need for treatment. It may also be helpful in determining the significance of an organism later identified in culture.
Limitations of test: Limitations of test: Cotton swabs must not be used to transport specimens or in the preparation of KOH preps, as the cotton swabs may resemble hyphae. KOH preps are not permanent; the reagent will eventually destroy the fungi.
Order Remarks: Do not order KOH Oral, Vaginal, Esophageal Brushing if PAS stain is requested. Order KOH Hair, Skin, Nails (LAB4039) for hair, skin scrapings, and nails. Order Vaginal Wet Prep (LAB252) for vaginal specimens submitted for Trichomonas, fungal elements, and clue cells. If a Yeast Culture (LAB241) or Fungal Culture and Smear (LAB4000) is requested in addition to the microscopic (KOH) exam, a separate specimen must be collected if an eSwab was not used; specimens collected in saline are not acceptable for culture.
Limitations of test: Limitations of test: Cotton swabs must not be used to transport specimens or in the preparation of KOH preps, as the cotton swabs may resemble hyphae. KOH preps are not permanent; the reagent will eventually destroy the fungi.
Order Remarks: Do not order KOH Oral, Vaginal, Esophageal Brushing if PAS stain is requested. Order KOH Hair, Skin, Nails (LAB4039) for hair, skin scrapings, and nails. Order Vaginal Wet Prep (LAB252) for vaginal specimens submitted for Trichomonas, fungal elements, and clue cells. If a Yeast Culture (LAB241) or Fungal Culture and Smear (LAB4000) is requested in addition to the microscopic (KOH) exam, a separate specimen must be collected if an eSwab was not used; specimens collected in saline are not acceptable for culture.
Stability
Ambient: 72 Hours / Refrigerated: Not Preferred / Frozen: Unacceptable
NOTE: Refrigerated specimens are not preferred but will not be rejected
NOTE: Refrigerated specimens are not preferred but will not be rejected
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