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A potassium hydroxide (KOH) test is done to determine whether a fungus is causing a skin infection. Samples from an infected area are treated with KOH, which dissolves skin cells and leaves behind fungus cells (if any are present) that can been seen with a microscope.
The KOH test may be used to diagnose fungal infections, such as thrush, tinea versicolor, and ringworm.
Current as of: September 8, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Randall D. Burr MD - Dermatology
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