NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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What is the essential test for diagnosing nail fungal infections?

Blood test
20% KOH smear
Urine test
Biopsy

The correct answer is: 20% KOH smear

The essential test for diagnosing nail fungal infections is a 20% KOH (potassium hydroxide) smear. This test involves taking a scraping from the affected nail and treating it with KOH, which helps to dissolve the nail tissue and leave behind fungal elements if a fungal infection is present. By examining the sample under a microscope, healthcare providers can identify the presence of fungal elements such as hyphae or spores, confirming the diagnosis of a nail fungal infection. Blood tests, urine tests, and biopsies are not typically used as the first-line diagnostic tests for nail fungal infections and are not as specific for this purpose as the 20% KOH smear.