A comparison of calcofluor white, potassium hydroxide, and culture for the laboratory diagnosis of superficial fungal infection

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 1990 Jul-Aug;13(4):337-9. doi: 10.1016/0732-8893(90)90027-s.

Abstract

A total of 207 skin scrapings were prospectively studied using potassium hydroxide (KOH), calcofluor white (CW), and culture to determine the clinical usefulness of each microscopic method. For dermatophytes (prevalence 13.2%), CW had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity 95%, giving a positive predictive value of 74% and negative predictive value of 99%. KOH had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 95%, giving a positive predictive value of 73% and a negative predictive value of 98%. CW was simple, rapid, and easy to read. For dermatophyte infection, CW results are as useful as KOH results.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Arthrodermataceae / growth & development
  • Arthrodermataceae / isolation & purification
  • Benzenesulfonates*
  • Dermatomycoses / diagnosis*
  • Fungi / growth & development
  • Fungi / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxides*
  • Potassium Compounds*
  • Potassium*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Skin / microbiology*
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Yeasts / growth & development
  • Yeasts / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Benzenesulfonates
  • Hydroxides
  • Potassium Compounds
  • C.I. Fluorescent Brightening Agent 28
  • Potassium
  • potassium hydroxide