NAIL FUNGUS
PANEL

Onychomycosis, known as nail fungus, is a progressive infection of the nail characterized by thickening with degrees of white to yellow-brown discoloration and separation of the nail from the nail bed. Onychomycosis can be caused by dermatophytes, yeast and mould.
Even though fungal nail infections can be present at any age group, they are more prevalent in older citizens and patients with HIV, diabetes mellitus, poor peripheral circulation, peripheral neuropathy and a weakened immune system.

Molecular testing is crucial for proper diagnosis and quality care. It allows us to quickly identify the source of an infection at the molecular level. It is a highly sensitive, accurate and specific diagnostic testing that allows the identification of a variety of fungal/parasitic infection sources from a single patient sample.

Conventional laboratory diagnosis of onychomycosis allows to determine the presence of fungi, however, this does not identify genus, species, or the specific pathogen. PCR testing accurately identifies pathogenic fungal or parasitic infection sources much faster (1-2 days) as compared with common culture methods (>3 weeks.) This enables physicians to diagnose and treat their patients much sooner, contributing to more effective therapeutic outcomes and improved patient care.