The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
diagnostic test for detecting fungal infections in skin, hair, nails
The Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Test is a diagnostic procedure used to detect fungal infections on the skin, hair, or nails. A sample from the affected area is placed on a slide with a few drops of potassium hydroxide solution, which dissolves skin cells but leaves fungal cells intact, making them easier to identify under a microscope.