Skip to main content
●+254 119 023975 support@dnalabskenya.com
Patient Portal LoginB2B / Doctor Portal
DNA LabsKenya
Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Fungus Examination Routine KOH Calcofluor White Preparation Test

Detects fungal infections using fluorescent microscopy on skin, nail, hair, or other samples. Helps diagnose conditions like athlete's foot, ringworm, or nail fungus.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

Ask a question
Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Skin/nail scrapings, hair (including root), CSF, body fluid, sputum, bronchial washings, tissue in a sterile screw-capped container, or 2 mL whole blood/bone marrow in a green top (sodium heparin) tube. Oral/genital/wound swabs in 0.5 mL sterile normal saline.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for most samples. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 748

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Fungus Examination Routine KOH Calcofluor White Preparation Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

+254

Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

WhatsApp the claims team Call us
01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Suspected skin fungal infection (e.g., ringworm, athlete's foot)
  • ✓Suspected nail fungal infection (onychomycosis)
  • ✓Suspected hair fungal infection (tinea capitis)
  • ✓Persistent skin rashes or itching
  • ✓Nail discoloration or thickening
  • ✓Confirmation of fungal presence in other samples (e.g., sputum, tissue)
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of superficial and systemic fungal infections by directly visualizing fungal elements in patient samples. It helps differentiate fungal infections from other skin conditions and guides appropriate antifungal therapy.
The Fungus Examination Routine KOH Calcofluor White Preparation Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify fungal infections. This test uses fluorescent microscopy to detect fungi in samples such as skin scrapings, nail clippings, hair, or other bodily fluids. Early detection is important for effective treatment. This test is particularly useful for identifying common types of fungi like dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. If you suspect a fungal infection, this test can help confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo specific patient preparation is required for most samples. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
SampleSkin/nail scrapings, hair (including root), CSF, body fluid, sputum, bronchial washings, tissue in a sterile screw-capped container, or 2 mL whole blood/bone marrow in a green top (sodium heparin) tube. Oral/genital/wound swabs in 0.5 mL sterile normal saline.
MethodologyMicroscopic examination using Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) preparation combined with Calcofluor White staining and fluorescence microscopy.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The test detects the presence of fungal elements but does not identify the specific species. A negative result does not completely rule out a fungal infection, especially if the sample quality is poor or the fungal load is low. Sensitivity can be affected by prior antifungal treatment.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test detects the presence of fungal elements (like yeasts, molds, and dermatophytes) in a sample.
Samples can include skin scrapings, nail clippings, hair, sputum, body fluids, or tissue, depending on the suspected infection site.
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Generally, no specific patient preparation is needed, but confirm requirements with the lab.
A negative result means no fungi were detected in the sample. Discuss the result with your doctor, as other tests might be needed.
No, this test confirms the presence of fungi but does not identify the specific species. Further testing like fungal culture may be needed for species identification.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →

Congenital Hypothyroidism Confirmatory Panel Serum Test

Confirms congenital hypothyroidism in newborns by measuring TSH and Free T4 levels. Early detection is crucial for preventing developmental delays. Available across Kenya.

Learn more →

Immunohistochemistry Single Marker With Interpretation Test

A specialized test using immunohistochemistry to detect specific proteins in tumor tissue, aiding in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.

Learn more →

Albumin Fluid Test

The Albumin Fluid Test measures albumin levels in body fluids to help diagnose infections and assess conditions affecting fluid balance. Available across Kenya.

Learn more →

Aluminium Plasma Test

Measures aluminium levels in the blood to assess potential exposure, particularly relevant for individuals in industrial settings. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Learn more →
Chat on WhatsApp