DESCRIPTIONS OF MEDICAL FUNGI

Descriptions of Medical Fungi 231
KOH with Calcofluor White.
MICROSCOPY STAINS & TECHNIQUES
For the direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings, hairs, nails and other
clinical specimens for fungal elements. This is a very sensitive method, however, a
fluorescence microscope with ultraviolet filters is required (Hageage and Harrington,
1984; Hollander et al. 1984; Monheit et al. 1984; Harrington and Hageage 2003).
Solution A: Potassium hydroxide reagent
Potassium hydroxide
Glycerine
Distilled water
10 g
10 mL
80 mL
Solution B: Calcofluor white reagent
Calcofluor white
0.5 g
Evans blue
0.02 g
Distilled water
50 mL
Mix one drop of each solution on the centre of a clean microscope slide.
Place the specimen in the solution and cover with a coverslip.
KOH with Chlorazol Black.
For the direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings, hairs, nails and other clinical
specimens for fungal elements. Note: Parker Quink ink is no longer available.
Polysciences list this product as “Chlorazol black E” product number 02730-25.
Potassium hydroxide
10 g
Chlorazol Black E (0.1%)
10 mL
Glycerol
10 mL
Distilled water
80 mL
Using sterile technique, remove a small portion of the specimen with an
inoculation needle and mount in a drop of KOH on a clean microscope
slide. Cover with a coverslip, squash the preparation with the butt of the
inoculation needle and then blot off the excess fluid.
India Ink Mounts.
For the direct microscopic examination of CSF for Cryptococcus species. Place a drop
of India Ink on the specimen, mix well with a sterile loop, and cover with a coverslip.
Best brands to use are “Pelikan” or “Talons” India Ink.