title: Office dermatologic testing: the KOH preparation.
abstract: A potassium hydroxide preparation is used to confirm the diagnosis of a superficial fungal skin infection. Adding black or blue-black ink to the potassium hydroxide solution highlights fungal organisms and distinguishes them from surrounding cellular debris.
authors.affiliation: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Brodell
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Helms
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Snelson
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D006878:Hydroxides; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D011188:Potassium; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D014010:Tinea Versicolor / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D006878:Hydroxides; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D011188:Potassium; C029943:potassium hydroxide