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 |
| Medical Review: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated: May 25, 2007 | |
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