New uses of XXXX tape for reliable collection and diagnosis of common superficial mycoses.

@entity1 @entity3324 @entity3217 @entity4014 @entity75 @entity4013 @entity3733 @entity7553 @entity3100
BACKGROUND: Scalpel blade sampling of a lesion with clinical suspicion of superficial @entity3217 may eventually harm the @entity1 , especially anxious @entity1 , and when sampled from areas such as the neck and the genitals. In these cases--provided that an acceptable level of confidence in results can be warranted-- @entity3324 tape skin strippings, or strip cultures, could be preferable. @entity1 AND METHODS: Eighty-five @entity1 presenting with @entity75 clinically suspected of superficial mycoses were randomly included in this study. Thin, crystal clear @entity3324 tape strips were firmly applied to lesions, pulled up, and then attached glue-face down to glass slides, on which a drop of 10% @entity4014 /40% @entity3733 solution had previously been placed. Once scales were cleared, microscopic examination was performed. For specimens yielding negative results, further scales were scraped from lesions, cleared, and examined in the conventional manner. @entity1 with proven negative results in both techniques have been considered a control group. RESULTS: Sixty cases of superficial mycoses were confirmed ( @entity4013 , 38; @entity7553 , 12; tinea versicolor, 10). Of these, 59 (98.33%) yielded positive results on @entity3324 tape preparations, with clear visualization of organisms' structures. The technique failed to demonstrate fungal elements in a single case, subsequently diagnosed as @entity3100 . The additional 25 @entity1 were regarded as our control group. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to improved @entity1 compliance, ease of performance, and low cost, the technique seems appropriate for using in an office environment during a routine medical visit. Whenever @entity3324 tape specimens yield negative results, a scraping-sampled preparation should be provided.
