Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
- When should I take koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
- Process
- What should I do before taking koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
- What is the koh (potassium hydroxide) process for oral mushrooms?
- What should I do after taking koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
- Explanation of the test results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What is koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
The KOH test is useful for finding whether there is oral candidiasis (oral fungus) in a person's mouth. The doctor obtains tissue samples using a scalpel or other instrument. KOH and heat are then used in the sample to dissolve keratin — the protein fiber that is the main component of nails — and the skin cells that make keratin. After these substances have been removed, fungal elements can be detected under a microscope.
When should I take koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
If a person has white spots in the mouth or on the tongue, a KOH test may be done to find if the person has oral fungus.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
Generally, a KOH test is not needed to diagnose oral fungus. Doctors can usually diagnose oral fungus by looking at white spots in a person's mouth. The KOH test is only performed if the oral fungus is not clearly visible by visual examination.
If the sample is too small or is taken from an area that is not infected with the fungus, a false negative result may be obtained.
Previous use of antifungal drugs may also give false negative results.
Process
What should I do before taking koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
No special preparation is required for this test.
What is the koh (potassium hydroxide) process for oral mushrooms?
Skin samples were taken with lightly scratching white spots. The sample is then placed on a glass with KOH solution and slightly heated. This solution slowly dissolves skin cells but not yeast cells. The yeast cells can then be seen under a microscope. A color stain may be used to make the yeast cells more visible.
What should I do after taking koh (potassium hydroxide) for oral mushrooms?
You may experience some discomfort while the sample is being collected.
Sample collection takes about 1 minute, and results are usually ready in 10 minutes.
You can return to your normal activities when you finish the test. The doctor will discuss with you about the condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Sometimes, the doctor may order further tests. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
Explanation of the test results
What do my test results mean?
The findings in the possible KOH test are included below.
Normal
There was no yeast or other fungus in the oral sample. If the result is negative, the doctor may take a second sample or order a sample of fungal cells.
Abnormal
There is yeast or other fungus in the skin sample. If fungal organisms are detected under a microscope, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate antifungal drug. In some cases, it may be done to collect fungal cells to confirm results or identify specific types of fungi.
