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Fungus on feet analysis

21 Jun 18

Doing the right test for nail fungus

Well-groomed fingernails and toenails are pleasing to the owner and those around him. In some cases, situations arise as a result of which the nail plate may undergo significant changes. This concerns the structure of the nail and its appearance. In such cases, you should go to the clinic and get tested for nail fungus.

Visually, fungus on the nails is determined by the appearance of cracks, framed at the edges by small blisters. The changes that appear bring unbearable itching. Then the nail undergoes significant changes.

  • The plate thickens and changes color.
  • Spots of white, gray and yellow appear on it.
  • Changes cannot go unnoticed. Without proper treatment, the nail plate simply begins to crumble.

    In addition to the nail, the skin also suffers. It becomes inflamed and itchy, and redness cannot be avoided. It doesn't look entirely aesthetically pleasing. For proper treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of the incident.

    Cause of infection

    Fungal diseases do not appear out of nowhere. Previously it was believed that they appear in a person with dysfunction of the immune system. But with the development of science, the assumption turned out to be incorrect. The cause of the disease can be skin cuts or damage to the nail plate. In combination with a decrease in immunity, the possibility of developing the disease increases. To be completely sure, you need to do tests for nail fungus.

    Tests for the presence of fungal disease

    Tests for nail fungus take place in several stages.

  • First, a scraping or culture tank is taken from the inflamed area.
  • A more modern research method is the PCR test.
  • Do not forget that you will have to do a standard set of tests: urine and blood tests. They will help to recreate the full picture and prescribe the correct treatment.
  • The speed of treatment depends on the speed of contacting a specialist. Delay threatens new foci of the disease, and can harm the patient’s family and friends. Fungal infections are contagious and can be passed on to family members.

    Faced with a similar problem, many patients fall into despair. The question arises, where to get tested for nail fungus. Finding a way out of the situation is easy. They choose a private clinic, on the advice of friends, or use the services of a proven government one. It doesn't really matter. The most important thing to understand is that self-medication is not the answer, and it can cause damage to your health.

    By contacting a specialist, such problems will not arise. A mycologist comes to the rescue and treats nail fungus on the hands and feet. You can use its services at a clinic, if there is one. After seeing the doctor, you just need to go to the laboratory with a referral and get a test done.

    But such specialists are not available in all medical institutions. They are mainly located in private clinics or a skin and venereal disease clinic. But if such a specialist is not there, then it is quite possible to use the services of a dermatologist. Getting treatment at a dispensary will be the most budget option.

    Many patients will appreciate the fact that they can take tests at home. To conduct the study, biological material is required. Employees of a private laboratory can come to pick it up. The convenience of this method lies in the fact that there is no need to waste time traveling to the laboratory and handing over the material. This will help preserve your health, because it may not be safe to come into contact with patients at the clinic.

    The proposed service is very popular. Clients spend the saved time on more important and enjoyable things. The quality of the research will not suffer from this.

    How to get tested for nail fungus

    It is necessary to submit particles from the affected areas for research. A person develops fear of the unknown and how the analysis is carried out. No special preparation is needed to conduct the study. But it’s still worth remembering some points:

  • For three days before the examination, you should not wet the affected areas.
  • During the same period, do not use antifungal drugs (ointments or varnishes).
  • You should not cut your nails for 10 days before the test.
  • Refuse to use decorative cosmetics.
  • Failure to follow these simple rules can distort the results of the study, and thereby harm the treatment process.

    This applies to scrapings and passes from nails. If we talk about blood tests, then the requirements in any clinic are the same.

  • It is better to donate blood in the morning and on an empty stomach.
  • Before the test, you should refrain from drinking alcohol and heavy physical activity the day before the test.
  • Medicines should be taken only when necessary. It is best to coordinate it with your doctor.
  • 2 hours before donating blood, stop drinking tea, coffee and tobacco.
  • Donate blood in as calm a state as possible. Therefore, you need to come to the research in advance.
  • It is not recommended to donate blood after medical procedures.
  • More detailed recommendations can be found in your doctor’s office or on the laboratory’s website. Those wishing to undergo a PCR test should remember that two weeks before the start of the procedure it is necessary to stop taking medications. This may distort the results of the study.

    Cost of fungus analysis

    A person who decides to conduct research is largely interested in the price of the services provided. In this case, you can find out how much a scraping or culture costs from the clinic staff. The cost will depend on the region of residence, as a rule, it does not exceed 2000 rubles.

    Important! You will be able to get acquainted with the results of tests for nail fungus in 21 days.

    1. If you want to take a blood test, it will cost less. On average, the amount will not exceed 300 rubles. You can find out the results in a day.
    2. PCR testing will cost more, but the accuracy of the method is worth it. This testing takes place at the molecular level. The testing period is only a few days.
    3. What is the name of the analysis and method of taking the material?

      To properly prepare for the test and select the required analysis from the price list, you need to know its name. The analysis for taking scrapings is called “Mycological examination (culture) of scrapings from nail plates for dermatomycetes + microscopy.”

      The rest of the tests are simple. A general blood test is called that, and the test bears the same name.

      How to test for fungus

      The unknown is always scary. Therefore, in order for the testing to take place in a more relaxed atmosphere, it is necessary to understand how the material is taken and what happens to it in the laboratory.

      First, let's talk about scraping.

    4. Using a scalpel, a laboratory specialist will remove the top layer from the areas affected by the fungus. The procedure is absolutely painless and will not cause discomfort to the patient.
    5. After which the collected material is dissolved in an alkali solution.
    6. The resulting composition will be examined under a microscope.
    7. As a result of the study, laboratory specialists will accurately determine the cause of the nail disease.
    8. The nature of the disease may not be fungal at all. If the presence of fungus is nevertheless detected, then it is necessary to seed the tank. The procedure will help determine the type of fungus and its sensitivity to various medications. This will help you determine the treatment more accurately and make it more effective.

      In order to more accurately determine the type of fungus and method of treatment, the PCR testing method is used. Thanks to this method, you can determine the necessary indicators with one test. This will save time and allow you to start treatment at an earlier stage.

      Treatment of fungal disease

      After the doctor receives the results of the study, the patient will be prescribed treatment. It will certainly bring results - recovery. After all, modern remedies for fungus not only heal the affected areas of the nail, but also accumulate in its composition. This helps prevent the emergence of new foci of infection.

      Treatment consists of two important components - internal and external therapies.

      1. The first type of treatment involves taking special medications.
      2. External therapy is based on the use of ointments that will help get rid of problems on the nails.
      3. After completing the course of treatment, it is necessary to undergo tests in order to be completely confident in the effectiveness of the treatment.

        Attention! To prevent fungal diseases, it is not recommended to wear the same shoes every day. Every day, shoes must be ventilated and treated with antiseptic agents.

        From all of the above, we can conclude that before starting treatment for nail fungus, it is necessary to undergo tests. This can be done, for example, in the Gemotest laboratory. The clinic’s specialists will come to your home, which will save the patient’s time. With the results obtained, you must contact a dermatologist to prescribe qualified treatment. Self-medication can harm the health and budget of the family.

        Analysis for nail fungus - features of the procedure, feasibility, cost

        A nail fungus test is a mandatory procedure to make a correct diagnosis. The specialist conducts it directly in the office. The procedure does not require special preparation. It does not take much time and is painless.

        How is the disease diagnosed?

        You can determine the presence of fungus on the nail plate using external signs and painful symptoms. The disease begins with damage to the big toe of one foot. Then he moves on to another. Signs of the disease:

      4. change in nail color;
      5. fragility of the plate, detachment of individual parts;
      6. presence of stains;
      7. deformation;
      8. skin irritation, swelling;
      9. itching, burning, pain when wearing shoes;
      10. falling off of the nail, growth of a deformed plate.
      11. During the initial examination, the specialist makes a preliminary diagnosis. However, to confirm it and exclude other pathologies, additional procedures are prescribed. It is necessary to do a tissue analysis of the affected nail plate.

        Find out the truth about fungus before your nails are cut!

        Types of Fungal Infection

        Depending on the location of the fungus and the types of pathological microorganisms, nail fungus is divided into several types and types.

      12. Distal. The fungus affects a separate part of the free end of the nail in the center. It all starts with a small spot that gradually increases in size. The surface of the affected area becomes rough, flakes, and crumbles.
      13. Lateral . Develops on the lateral parts of the nail plate of one or two legs. It is characterized by delamination of platinum, increased fragility, and discoloration.
      14. Surface white. White spots appear on the surface of the nail, increasing in size and disrupting the integrity of the top layer. The nail becomes soft, vulnerable, constantly peeling and flaking. In the absence of qualified treatment, the deep layers of platinum begin to be affected, and the nail falls off.
      15. Proximal. Affects the cuticle. The skin becomes inflamed; at the base of the platinum growth, a darkened spot is clearly visible over the entire surface. The nail flakes, peels, crumbles.
      16. Total. The fungus affects the entire nail. Discoloration and peeling occur.
      17. Normotrophic . The affected nail does not change thickness, the top layer remains smooth. You can suspect the presence of pathology by a change in color.
      18. Hypertrophic. Following the change in color, the stratum corneum grows. The nail becomes deformed, peels, interferes with putting on shoes, and hurts when walking.
      19. Atrophic. The affected nail is gray-brown in color. The plate peels off greatly, becomes thinner, and almost completely disappears.
      20. Type of pathological microorganisms:

        • Trichophyton red . Affects nails, skin on hands and feet. It all starts with the appearance of small spots and loss of elasticity of the plate. If left untreated, it spreads to other parts of the body.
        • Trichophyton mentagrophytes . Infects the skin between the fingers. Causes cracks, redness, severe itching. Smoothly transfers to the nail. The location is the big toe or little finger. It gets worse in the hot season.
        • Trichophyton violet . Found in countries with hot climates. Affects the scalp. In the absence of therapy, it spreads to the nails.
        • Flake-shaped epidermophyton . The pathology begins with peeling skin on the fingers. There is redness and severe itching, which intensifies in the evening. When moving to the plate, the nails take on the shape of a bird's beak.
        • Favus fungus . The disease is common in North America. Pathological microorganisms penetrate through cracks in the skin of the hands. Forms yellow-brown crusts on the nails. There is an unpleasant odor.
        • Geophilic microsporum . Rarely seen. Penetrates into the body through microcracks. It affects the head and spreads to the nails.
        • Yeast-like fungi cause white spots to appear on the nails, while mold fungi cause black spots. If there are any changes in the nail or surrounding skin, you should seek help from a specialist. The disease is quickly treated at the initial stage, but difficult to treat in the advanced stage.

          Diagnosis of the disease

          NAIL FUNGUS IS BEST TREATED WITH A PRODUCT COSTING ONLY 1 RUBLE

          After a visual examination of the affected area, the specialist sends the patient for examination:

        • Microbiological culture . The material being studied is placed in the laboratory in a certain environment favorable for the growth of fungi. A few days later the situation is assessed. Cost from 1000 rub.
        • PCR test for fungal infection . The procedure gives the most accurate, quick result, even when other methods are powerless. Detects hidden infections and assesses the extent of obvious pathologies. Work with any biological material. The result can be obtained after 5 hours. During the study, a chain reaction and changes at the DNA level are determined. Cost – from 600 rubles.
        • Blood and urine tests . Indicates the presence of fungal strains in the body. It is recommended to take the test several more times during therapy. Based on the results of the examination, positive or negative dynamics are determined.
        • Scraping . The presence of fungus on the nails can be detected using certain mixtures and compositions. They are applied to the affected nail and stained. The presence and type of fungi are determined by color. The average cost of the procedure is 700 rubles.
        • The specialist takes material for examination directly in the office - skin, parts of the nail, scraping from the top of the plate. No preliminary preparation procedures are required. Thanks to this procedure, the stage of infection is determined, infection of internal organs is refuted or confirmed.

          The procedure for identifying a fungal infection can be carried out independently at home. A small amount of potassium permanganate is dissolved in warm water to obtain a pink color. Lower your legs for a few minutes. Healthy nails are painted, sick nails remain unchanged.

          Why do you need to be tested for fungus?

          Fungi are always present in the human body; their growth is inhibited by a strong immune system. The weakening of protective functions makes it possible for pathological microorganisms to multiply. The level of the problem depends on the number of unfavorable factors acting simultaneously - the presence of microcracks, increased sweating, hormonal imbalances, taking antibiotics, etc. A fungal infection can be localized anywhere, and as a result of a violation of the internal systems, it affects the condition of the nails.

          Meanwhile, a fungal infection can exclusively affect the nail plate, without affecting the internal organs and systems.

          Fungal tests allow you to:

        • determine the stage of the disease;
        • assess the extent of the damage;
        • exclude other diseases.
        • A thorough examination is necessary to prescribe qualified therapy. Only in this case will the treatment be quick and effective.

          How to get tested for fungus correctly

          There is no point in worrying about how to do everything correctly. All you have to do is choose a clinic and ask for help. The specialists themselves will take the material for research and conduct an “examination” according to all the rules. They will tell you when the result is ready.

          Minimum effort is required from the patient:

        • do not cut or file your nails for a week;
        • do not use antifungal agents for 4 days;
        • For hygiene procedures, use only clean water without soap.

        Immediately before the procedure, wash your feet and put on clean socks.

        Where to take a hemotest

        It is a combined blood test to detect the presence of various infections in the body. It is recommended to take it several times - before the start of active therapy, during, and after completion. The analysis determines the degree of damage, location, absence or presence of damage to internal organs, and types of infection.

        Nail examinations can be carried out in public laboratories or private ones. In the first case, the patient benefits in terms of cost, but loses significantly in time and quality of service. You have to stand in line for half a day to see a dermatologist, then in the laboratory. Choose a time to go to the clinic and find out the results.

        Private clinics work faster, preliminary results are sent by email or SMS. Polite staff, quality service, but it costs a lot of money.

        The largest laboratories, constantly competing with each other, are Hemotest, Invitro. Reviews about the work of clinics vary. Some patients are outraged by mixed up results and long queues, while others admire the quality and speed of service.

        Hemotest is a modern research center that allows for analysis of varying complexity - from clinical blood examination to genetic pathology. Gemotest laboratories are part of the federal network; centers are located in many cities in Russia and other countries. Specific information and contact details can be obtained on the official website.

        Invitro is an independent laboratory with high technical resources, qualified personnel, and advanced technologies. Offers a wide range of different studies. In most cases, the results are ready on the day the material is submitted. It has a wide distribution network throughout Russia and other countries.

        The cost of analysis for nail fungus in Invitro is from 360 rubles. up to 1600 rub. The approximate price is presented on the website, the specific cost is discussed with a specialist. In Gemotest, the cost of services is on average 200 rubles. expensive.

        Sowing fungal-affected material on special media

        The study is carried out on the basis of scraping. Placed in a special medium - beer wort agar, Sabouraud. The procedure is carried out for at least 7 days. There is no quick result provided. But the result is the most accurate of all available diagnostic methods. The method also allows you to determine sensitivity to antimycotic drugs. Makes it possible to select effective drugs.

        How to test for fungal nail infection

        Deformation of nails, the appearance of stripes and yellowness, brittleness and separation are pronounced signs of onychomycosis. This is damage to the nails by dermatophyte fungi, which is quite widespread among people, especially in the summer. The effectiveness of treatment depends on accurate identification of the pathogen. To determine which microorganism has penetrated the skin through the thickness of the nail plate, it is necessary to take a nail fungus test.

        How the analysis is carried out: preparation, scraping and examination

        To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to donate blood for clinical and biochemical analysis. The doctor also takes a scraping for nail fungus (in some cases, seeding of the affected nail plate is used as a basis). The research includes PCR - polymerase chain reaction, which allows you to identify the pathogen by its DNA.

        Some people may wonder why get tested for nail fungus if everything is clear from the symptoms and external signs. Please note that delamination, yellowing and separation from the bed can occur not only due to fungus. The nail may have been bruised or injured, causing redness or suppuration. In addition, the infection may not be fungal, but bacterial. In this case, antifungal drugs will not give the expected result. For this reason, the doctor does not prescribe treatment without tests, even if the clinical picture is clear.

        Before scraping, it is recommended to prepare:

      21. 72 hours before the start of the analysis (at least 24), it is not recommended to perform hygiene procedures with soap and aggressive cleaning agents;
      22. Do not treat areas from which the doctor will take material for analysis. It is undesirable to apply cosmetics to these areas: creams, lotions and liquids with a large amount of synthetic substances;
      23. When collecting material from the nail plates, remove the manicure;
      24. Do not take medications that may interfere with medical research results and mislead doctors.
      25. Preparing and taking blood for analysis

        Anyone who is interested in how to get tested for nail fungus should remember that the materials for the test include blood. The rules for delivery are the same in any medical institution:

      26. The material is due in the first half of the day. This must be done on an empty stomach.
      27. 24 hours before the test, it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol and excessive physical activity.
      28. It is not recommended to take medications unless absolutely necessary.
      29. 12 hours before submitting the material, stop smoking and do not drink coffee or tea.
      30. Donate blood before medical procedures.
      31. The method of scraping and then placing in an alkaline solution is quick and does not always give an absolutely accurate result. Bacterial culture is the second, no less common way to diagnose fungus. Used to more accurately determine the pathogen. It is used as a confirmatory method when identifying the nature of an infectious infection.

        Material for analysis for onychomycosis is collected as follows:

      32. In case of a thick stratum corneum or small cracks in the nail, the doctor scrapes off the separated scales;
      33. If you have distal onychomycosis (thought to be the most common type), your doctor scrapes material from the transverse groove of the nail bed and trims the nail beds at the edges;
      34. With the proximal type of nail fungus, doctors carry out a set of procedures to tear the nail away from its bed. In some cases, the material is collected using a special milling cutter and studied using a biopsy;
      35. If the periungual fold is inflamed, material is collected in this area;
      36. The day before the test, it is recommended to stop taking topical (local) medications and systemic antimycotics.
      37. How is bacteriological examination carried out?

        After the material is collected, it is placed in a nutrient medium in which bacteria grow and multiply. Depending on the type of pathogen, growing microorganisms can take from 2 days to a week.

        Several factors influence the reliability of the results:

      38. The nature of the material used in medical analysis. When studying blood, the fungus can be detected in rare cases; when scraping from the affected area, the likelihood of diagnosing the fungus increases.
      39. The use of antifungal drugs before scraping for analysis of nail fungus. The use of azoles, echinocadines and amphotericin can change a reliable test result to a false negative one.
      40. A positive medical test result may be due to fungi that are normally found in the urine or sputum of every person. For this reason, the results of testing non-sterile media cannot be considered 100% accurate.
      41. The most revealing research method is PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This is a diagnostic test that can identify the pathogen at the initial stages of the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment. You will be able to view the results 3 weeks after submitting the material.

        When faced with a disease, many patients first think about where to get tested for nail fungus. You can see a doctor in a private or public clinic. The problem is dealt with by a mycologist. If the medical institutions in your city do not have such a specialist, contact a dermatologist or a dermatovenerological clinic.

        When visiting a private clinic, you can call a doctor at home. This is a suitable option for anyone who is afraid of getting infected from other patients, is in serious condition, or simply wants to save their time. However, the cost of collecting material at home can cost you an order of magnitude more.

        Cost of testing for nail fungus

        Another important point in the treatment of onychomycosis and other forms of fungus is the cost of services. The price depends on the region and clinic. As a rule, the cost of tests does not exceed 2 thousand rubles. PCR testing costs an order of magnitude more, but the technique is more accurate (carried out at the molecular level) and takes no more than a week.

        Scraping nails for fungus

        Symptoms of onychomycosis make it possible to determine signs of a fungal infection by visual examination of the affected horny plate. But a reliable picture of the development of the disease can only be obtained based on the results of laboratory tests. Testing nails for fungus is the only way to identify the type of infection that causes the infection.

        Early diagnosis of fungal infections allows you to eliminate the problem with minimal financial and material costs, so experts recommend that if you detect the first signs of onychomycosis, do not delay going to the doctor.

        Indications for testing for nail fungus

        The initial manifestations of a fungal infection usually do not cause discomfort, and most patients seek help from specialists when the disease has noticeably progressed. In order not to waste precious time, you should be tested for nail fungus and, if the result is positive, undergo a course of treatment if:

      42. The nail plates have acquired an unnatural color, lost their transparency and healthy shine;
      43. The nail becomes loose, flakes, thickens;
      44. The skin of the nail fold is hyperemic, there is severe itching and peeling;
      45. The horny plate gradually begins to move away from the nail bed;
      46. My feet acquired a strong, unpleasant odor.
      47. Any of the listed symptoms indicates a possible fungal infection and is a reason to consult a dermatologist.

        Types of tests for the presence of fungal infection

        The diagnosis and treatment plan for fungal nail diseases depend on several types of laboratory tests. Tests for nail fungus are carried out sequentially, which makes it possible to establish the exact etiology of onychomycosis.

        During the initial examination by a dermatologist or mycologist, the patient is prescribed the following types of tests:

      48. Scraping nails for fungus;
      49. Blood chemistry;
      50. General blood analysis;
      51. General clinical urine analysis.
      52. Microbiological examination of scrapings of the nail plates makes it possible to differentiate mycotic infections from other dermatological diseases. The area of ​​material collection depends on the clinical form of onychomycosis. Usually, for research, they try to take small fragments of the nail and skin from the periungual fold. If necessary, scrapings are taken from the nails using a special spatula.

        Blood and urine are checked to assess the patient's general condition and identify contraindications to taking antifungal medications. Repeated clinical tests are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of drug therapy.

        If a microscopic examination shows the presence of a fungal infection, the next step is bacteriological culture of the pathological material. Since some types of fungi that affect the nail plate grow extremely slowly, the result of this analysis will be visible only after 2-3 weeks. Fungal culture is necessary to identify the species of the infectious agent. Depending on the type of pathogenic fungi, their sensitivity to drugs is determined and the optimal treatment regimen is drawn up.

        The cultural method is an accurate and accessible way to determine the causative agent of infection. Testing the resistance of pathogenic microflora is carried out on fungal colonies grown in a Petri dish.

        A more modern test for toenail fungus is based on the isolation of DNA fragments of the infectious agent. The resulting genetic material is subject to multiple enzymatic enlargement for a detailed study of the properties of the pathogen. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is capable of providing accurate research results in the shortest possible time. The PCR test for nail fungus is much more reliable and faster than other laboratory tests. The sample result is determined within 24 hours from the moment the material is collected.

        Additionally, the doctor prescribes a hemotest for onychomycosis. If the infection has affected internal organs, a blood test for fungus will clarify the situation.

        Preparation for taking the test material

        The procedure for collecting material for microbiological analysis is absolutely painless and does not require special preparation from the patient. There are a number of minor limitations that you should pay attention to to avoid false results:

      53. Nail plates must be cleaned of decorative varnish, if any;
      54. It is advisable to prevent moisture from getting on the affected areas of the feet at least three days before taking the tests;
      55. Topical treatment with antifungal drugs should be discontinued several days before the procedure;
      56. Nails cannot be cut for 10 days;
      57. You can guarantee the accuracy of the PCR test by refusing to take antifungal agents for a two-week period before collecting the material.
      58. The accuracy of the data obtained after a blood test depends on compliance with standard rules, the list of which can be clarified with your doctor.

        Where can I get tested for onychomycosis?

        Most municipal medical institutions have the ability to test for fungal infections. When visiting a public clinic, examination for onychomycosis will be free.

        If a public clinic does not provide the necessary laboratory testing services or the patient, for personal reasons, does not want to turn to free medicine, there are many private dermatological offices. You should choose a commercial organization that has its own laboratory. You can find out about the cost of procedures and make an appointment on the official website of the selected medical center.

        Contacting a private medical laboratory will avoid the inconvenience associated with visiting a municipal clinic and save time waiting for results. Some organizations offer home visiting services for medical professionals.

        Cost of testing for nail fungus

        The minimum price for bacterial culture to detect a fungal infection on average across the country is about 1,000 rubles. The cost of services from private medical centers may vary depending on the region and the internal pricing policy of the organization.

        A PCR test will cost almost half as much, about 500-600 rubles. Due to the availability and speed of analysis, the PCR method is more popular than traditional bacteriological culture. But in medical practice, there are cases when PCR analysis indicators are not enough to make a diagnosis, or there is a suspicion of false data, which requires additional microscopic examination.

        Biochemical and general clinical blood and urine tests cost from 300 rubles.

        If you do not want to overpay for examination in a private clinic, you can go to a free public hospital.

        Tests for nail fungus

        Nail fungus is an infectious disease associated with increased activity of fungal strains. Treatment usually takes a long time, up to several months. However, before prescribing drugs, the doctor must send the patient for analysis. What tests are taken to diagnose onychomycosis, how much do they cost, where can they be taken, and how to prepare nails for examination?

        What tests should be taken to detect a fungal nail infection?

        There are several ways to determine the type of infection and strain of fungus. In different laboratories, material is tested for fungus using one of the following methods:

        Scraping - analysis for fungus

        Scraping for fungus . This is one of the most popular diagnostic methods. The procedure is as follows. Using a special tool, the doctor takes a small part of the nail plate and places it in a container. You should take part of the nail from the source of inflammation. With onychomycosis, this will be the area that has changed color or has other signs of damage. Based on the scraping results, we can determine whether we are definitely dealing with nail fungus or whether the changes are caused by other microorganisms.

        Sowing . Culture determines not only the type of disease, but is also able to give an accurate answer to the question of which strain of fungus is most active in a given inflammation. Scraping and culture, as a rule, are carried out on one material taken, so there is no need to retake the analysis. Part of the pathological tissue sample is placed in a special container with a nutrient medium, and then specialists check which particular fungal cultures have grown. Knowing which type of fungus has affected you is very important for the correct prescription of medications.

        PCR test . For this study, the patient takes a blood test, which allows the DNA of the fungus to be detected. This test not only detects the presence of a fungal infection, but also its strain. The results of the PCR test for fungus will be ready in just 2-3 days. Determination of pathogenic flora is possible with this method even at the initial stage of the disease.

        Blood test for fungus . To identify the cause of the disease, you can take a biochemical test for fungus. With its help, you can determine at what stage fungal diseases are, as well as the general condition of the body. This method is excellent for determining a treatment algorithm.

        It is very important to identify the true cause of damage to the nail plate. Sometimes the analysis shows a negative result, and in this case the doctor prescribes a full diagnosis of the nail plate, which will reveal a harmful infection.

        The test should be taken not only before treatment, but also after - to make sure that the fungus is completely destroyed. Treatment should continue until a negative result is obtained 2 times with an interval of 2 weeks.

        The doctor who writes the referral usually sends you for tests. If you decide to undergo the examination yourself, this can be done in almost any hospital that provides paid services. You can also do a study of the nail material in a private medical center that cooperates or has its own personal laboratory.

        How is material for research taken?

        Analysis by culture for nail fungus

        The material for research is taken by a specialist using a special tool. They usually select a part of the nail that shows signs of fungal infection. These are darkened or discolored areas. When splitting nails, take one or two scales.

        Sometimes it makes sense to take an element of the dermis from the inflamed nail fold. The taken pathological material is crushed, and only after that it is examined. First of all, they examine it under a microscope, and then place it in separate jars for more detailed analysis. For several types of research, the material is taken once.

        It is extremely important to use gloves when collecting material.

        Is it possible to get tested at home?

        Most people don't like going to doctors. The reason for this is both the lack of time and the uncomfortable waiting in queues. With nail fungus, many patients are simply ashamed that other people will think of them as unscrupulous. There is still an opinion that only those who do not maintain hygiene suffer from fungus, despite the fact that it is an extremely contagious infectious disease that can affect anyone.

        To make the examination more comfortable, some private medical centers and laboratories offer a service such as fungal testing at home. It is very popular because patients do not have to waste time on travel and do not have to wait in line. Specialists will come directly to your home and, according to all the rules, will take pathological material for examination. The result can be picked up at the Medical Center, but more often it is sent by mail, saving clients time.

        Cost of testing for nail fungus

        Laboratory testing for nail fungus

        Of course, each laboratory has its own prices for analyzing nail plates. In Moscow, the cost can reach up to 1000 rubles for a microscopic examination of the nail plates. The average cost fluctuates around 500-700 rubles. In a public clinic, the price can range from 300 rubles.

        The most expensive tests for fungus are culture and scraping, and the cheapest is a biochemical blood test. In a public clinic, upon referral from a doctor, a fungal test is required to be taken free of charge. A PCR test will cost about 500-600 rubles, but it does not always provide complete clarity and is often not a sufficient type of examination to make a diagnosis.

        Preparation for analysis

        The collection of biological material takes place in the dermatologist’s office. The healthcare worker uses a scalpel to remove the top layer from the affected nail plate. This procedure is completely painless and harmless. It does not cause the patient any discomfort. Typically no additional training is required to identify harmful microorganisms, but there are a number of requirements that increase the likelihood of obtaining accurate results.

      59. Nail plates should be cleaned of decorative varnish, if any;
      60. If possible, do not wet your nails at least 3 days before the examination;
      61. A few days before the test, stop lubricating your nails with antifungal creams and ointments;
      62. Do not cut your nails for at least 10 days;
      63. If you are undergoing a PCR test, stop taking antifungal medications two weeks before collecting the material.
      64. Do not wipe the nail plates with alcohol or alcohol-containing preparations 2-3 days before the examination.
      65. Compliance with these standard rules directly affects the quality of the analysis.

        If you are prescribed a blood test for fungus, you should also adhere to the following rules:

        1. Blood should be donated in the morning and on an empty stomach.
        2. Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before the test.
        3. Reduce vigorous physical activity during the day.
        4. Taking medications should either be suspended or taken only when necessary. This point should be discussed with your doctor.
        5. 2 hours before donating blood, you should not drink tea, cigarettes or coffee.
        6. It is worth coming to the test in advance, since the blood test must be taken only in a calm state.

          After medical procedures, a blood test cannot be taken immediately.

          Scraping for fungal infection

          Scraping for fungus can be taken either once or an infinite number of times. The scraping helps the doctor decide on adequate therapy, as well as show whether the treatment is working.

          An experienced dermatologist can determine by the appearance of the nail plate whether it is a fungal disease or not. However, the type of fungal pathogen can only be identified using diagnostic methods. Scraping is the most common procedure in diagnostic practice. Based on the results of laboratory testing, the strain of the fungus is identified and effective therapy is determined.

          The ideal option is if the scraping was carried out at the initial stage of the infection. In this case, adequate treatment will lead to a quick recovery. The fight against the advanced stage of the fungus can be lengthy and accompanied by numerous relapses.

          The material is taken using a special needle, scissors or scalpel. The nail plate is exposed to a special alkali-based substance, which dissolves the keratin layer, exposing fungal spores and mycelium. They are clearly visible under a light microscope after this procedure.

          Inoculation of material on special media

          The culture result is ready in 2-4 weeks

          Another procedure that allows you to accurately diagnose onychomycosis is called sowing the material on special media. It is used much less frequently than scraping, since this method is much more labor-intensive and takes much longer - up to 1 month.

          The pathological material is crushed and placed in a test tube on a nutrient medium. After a few weeks, it becomes clear which types of fungus have developed the most. In this way, the strain of the fungus that caused the damage to the nail plate is determined.

          The method has ceased to be popular due to the creation of modern pharmacological agents that have the same detrimental effect on all types of fungus. It makes sense to carry out this diagnosis only in cases where generally accepted therapy does not produce results.

          Special preparation before taking material for sowing is usually minimal. Antifungal medications should not be used for some time, and nails should not be washed with soap for 24 hours before the procedure. Makeup on nails should be washed off in advance.

          What will a blood and urine test show for nail fungus?

          The most accurate laboratory method for detecting mycotic infections is the PCR test. This test can determine whether you have a fungus and is effective for both acute and chronic infections. This is a modern way of identifying fungus, and it works even when bacteriological diagnostics do not show results.

          The high sensitivity of this method and the specificity of molecular genetic testing eliminate the possibility of false results. In just a few hours, even single spores and cells of pathogenic microorganisms can be detected.

          When analyzing urine, its composition can be changed under the influence of fungus. Usually the change is caused by candida yeast fungi, which actively develop not only on the nails, but also on the mucous membranes.

          Why do you need to get tested for fungus?

          Nail fungus: before analysis

          Fungus testing is not always prescribed by a dermatologist. In some cases, a visual inspection is sufficient. It is also not necessary to identify a specific strain of fungus - all types of mycoses are treated with the same drugs. However, in some cases it is impossible to do without analysis. Be sure to carry out diagnostics in the following cases:

        7. The doctor doubts the correct diagnosis.
        8. The prescribed treatment did not bring results.
        9. The course of treatment will pass, but there is doubt that the fungus is completely destroyed.
        10. Erased clinical manifestations of the fungus.
        11. Chronic form of infection.
        12. It is also worth getting tested after completing treatment, which minimizes the risk of relapse.

          Diagnosis at home

          To determine at home whether the nail plate is damaged by a fungus or another infection, the following home method has long been used. Ordinary potassium permanganate will help to identify the fungus quickly and effectively. Dark purple crystals of potassium permanganate, which are commonly used for antiseptic treatment, are diluted in warm water. The resulting pink solution is applied to the nails, after which they look at the result. Healthy nails are painted yellow or brown, but if fungus is present, the nail does not change color.

          If strange symptoms appear on your nails, the appearance and color have changed, you most likely have an activated fungal infection. When you see a dermatologist or mycologist, you may be sent for tests. If there is such a need, do not refuse laboratory diagnostics under any circumstances. With its help, you can be 100% sure that your diagnosis is correct, and therefore therapy is prescribed based on your disease.

          Blood test for fungus in the body

          Blood in the human body never stands still, it is constantly in motion, under the action of the heart, like a “pump”, spreading throughout the body, ensuring its vital functions (breathing, nutrition, etc.).

          This unique substance, with a unique composition, provides vital functions for the body.

          The science that studies blood is called hematology (the study of blood), which, in the literal sense, began its development after the invention of the microscope in the 17th century. Scientists and anatomists began to discover the constituent particles of blood in this “red” substance.

          Theories about blood circulation began to emerge in the same century, but before, with the help of a microscope, medicine began to study blood cells. The paradox of science is that it developed separately in each part of the world, since in China they knew about blood circulation back in the 5th century, to give a trivial example.

          This is how a medical breakthrough in Europe occurred in the field of studying blood and the human body as a whole.

          But hematology only began to study blood diseases themselves, and began to suspect the causes of diseases in its composition only after several more centuries. And only at the end of the 19th century, Ilya Mechnikov (a native of the Kharkov province) discovered to the world such a concept of medical science as phagocytosis - the absorption of viruses, bacteria and fungi by cells and tissues.

          Fungi “feel” comfortable in the human body, and if suddenly an environment favorable for their development arises (negatively affecting human health), then they actively begin their development, growing and spreading throughout the body, starting from the place where they began their development, gradually expanding the habitat, transferring to neighboring organs located next to those already affected by them. The fungus is dangerous because it releases its spores, which are quite resistant, even with treatment. Therefore, mushrooms need to be fought, but first they still need to be detected.

          Thanks to blood tests, it is possible to determine the general condition of the human body (hemoglobin (hemo and globin) and blood sugar (level), many pathologies, changes in composition, deviations, it is important to establish with the help of tests - blood clotting, because this is vitally important to know when carrying out operations, if not for the tests, many people might not have been saved).

          The role of a blood test cannot be overestimated, but science still does not know much, but suspects a lot; scientific research continues “its life.”

          A blood test for fungus in the body makes it possible to see the picture of both the damage to the human body by a fungal infection and to determine the condition of the body and the stage of development of the fungus.

          An analysis for the fungus must be carried out in order for the doctor to prescribe further adequate treatment.

          Fungal infections can affect the skin, brain, internal organs, nails, and can spread their foci to new (neighboring organs) territories of the human body, as a favorable habitat for them.

          For the human body, some types of fungi are conditionally pathogenic, since they exist in the normal microflora of every person and play a role in certain functions of the body.

          As soon as a person creates favorable conditions for them (diabetes mellitus, low immunity, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, etc.), the fungi begin to behave quite aggressively and develop quickly. There are other types of fungi that live outside the human body, but they don’t mind getting there and developing at the expense of human health, “eating” his health.

          The symptoms of fungal diseases bring a person discomfort and stress, in advanced stages – itching and burning, and the rapid development of the disease with relapses.

        13. Itching.
        14. Burning.
        15. Peeling, peeling (nails, skin).
        16. If the fungus affects the scalp (seborrhea), it also affects the hair, it becomes either oily or dry, and may fall out.
        17. With thrush, extremely unpleasant symptoms also occur: discharge, itching, burning of the genitals. It is necessary to treat both yourself and your partner.
        18. Diagnosis of nail fungus

          A mycologist or dermatologist, after an appointment, and if there is a suspicion that the patient’s body has been infected with a fungal infection, will first of all refer you for tests (blood, urine).

          A fungal test will give the doctor all the necessary information for further treatment.

          Also, for fungal infections, they can take a scraping for the fungus, for example, a skin scraping for the fungus; you can also detect the fungus in a smear; there are also other tests for fungi.

          Skin scrapings are taken to determine skin fungus, smears are taken to detect gynecological diseases, and other cultures are also taken to detect fungus.

          Once you have been tested for fungus, your doctor can provide you with expert treatment assistance. Fortunately, fungal diseases are treatable, but they must be treated carefully following the instructions of the attending physician, and best of all, in a comprehensive manner.

          Treatment of fungal diseases

          To treat fungal diseases, medical science has come up with micro-preparations. For the treatment of fungal infections, attending physicians prescribe drugs that are new and high-quality (often expensive) according to the latest medical research.

          Often prescribed: lamisil, mycaltin, miconazole, exoderil, for fungal infections of the scalp - nizoral shampoo, tar soap, there are many drugs and treatment methods, do not forget about analogues if prices are high.

          Our wise folk medicine came up with many tools and techniques, using the knowledge of our ancestors, which was passed down from generation to generation for centuries; herbalists have been writing for centuries, describing herbs and their purpose in treatment.

          It is important to adhere to the rules of personal hygiene in order to prevent the infection from spreading and infecting loved ones living under the same roof with you. It is also necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right (vegetables, fruits, cereals, less fat and carbohydrates) and increase your immunity, walks in the fresh air are useful, hardening and other procedures.

          The main thing is not to delay it and not to self-medicate, both of which are dangerous to health.

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