KOH test

A Candida yeast infection can also be identified by a KOH test by taking scrapings from the mouth (oral thrush), vagina (vaginitis) and skin (candidiasis).

There are over 40 different fungus species known to cause disease in humans, of which Candida albicans is the most common and most frequently tested for.

The KOH test for fungus is conducted on an outpatient basis and patients do not need to prepare in advance.

[citation needed] Dermatophytes are easily recognized under the microscope by their long branch-like tubular structures called hyphae.

Under the microscope Tinea versicolor is recognized by curved hyphae and round yeast forms that give it a spaghetti-and-meatball appearance.

KOH test on a vaginal wet mount , showing slings of pseudohyphae of Candida albicans surrounded by round vaginal epithelial cells, conferring a diagnosis of candidal vulvovaginitis .