Specimen Type/Requirements

Sterile Container (no additives or preservatives) preferred - Skin, Hair, or Nails

Eswab also acceptable for skin source only.  Note:  all other swab types will be rejected.

Hair – Use forceps to collect 10-12 affected hairs with shaft bases intact. Place in a sterile container. 

Skin - Cleanse affected area with 70% alcohol. Gently scrape the skin surface at the active lesion margin. Do not draw blood. Place in sterile container. The submitted specimen must have enough material to cover the head of a thumbtack. 

Nail - Wipe nail with 70% alcohol. Clip away generous portions of affected area and collect material or debris from under nail. Place in sterile container. The submitted specimen must have enough material to cover the head of a thumbtack. 

Indicate source on specimen and order.