Specimen Type/Requirements

Hair - Collect using forceps 10-12 affected hairs with bases of shafts intact. Place in a sterile container. 

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

Swab specimens will be rejected.