Skin or nail culture

定义

A skin or nail culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify germs that cause problems with the skin or nails.

It is called a 粘膜 culture if the sample involves the mucous membranes.

选择的名字

Mucosal culture; Culture - skin; Culture - 粘膜; Nail culture; Culture - fingernail; Fingernail culture

How the Test is Performed

The health care provider may use a cotton swab to collect a sample from an open 皮疹 or skin sore.

A sample of skin may need to be taken. 这叫做 皮肤活组织检查. Before the skin sample is removed, you will likely receive a shot (injection) of numbing medicine to prevent pain.

A small sample of a fingernail or toenail may be taken. The sample is sent to a lab. There, it is placed in a special dish (culture). It is then watched to see if bacteria, viruses, or fungi grow. It may take up to 3 weeks to get results of a nail culture. Further tests can be done to identify the specific germ that is causing your problem. This can help your provider determine the best treatment.

How to Prepare for the Test

There is no preparation needed for this test. 如果皮肤或 粘膜 sample is needed, your provider will tell you how to prepare.

How the Test will Feel

If a skin sample is taken, you may feel a sting when the shot of numbing medicine is given.

For a nail sample, the provider scrapes the affected area of the nail. There is usually no pain.

Why the Test is Performed

This test may be done to diagnose the cause of:

• A bacteria or fungus infection of the skin, finger, or toenail
• A 皮疹 or sore that appears to be infected
• A skin ulcer that is not healing

正常的结果

A normal result means no disease-causing germs are seen in the culture.

Some germs normally live on the skin. These are not a sign of infection and are considered a normal finding.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means bacteria, fungus, or virus is present. This may be a sign of infection.

Common skin infections caused by bacteria include:

• 脓疱病
• Diabetes foot ulcers

Common skin infections caused by fungus include:

• 运动员的脚
• 指甲感染
• 头皮感染

风险

风险 include slight bleeding or infection in the area where the skin sample was removed.

参考文献

Dinulos JGH. Dermatologic surgical procedures. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide in Diagnosis and Therapy. 7日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 27.

Iwen PC, Thompson GR, Wiederhold NP. 霉菌的疾病. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 60.

Wojewoda CM, Stempak LM. Medical bacteriology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24日艾德. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 57.