POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (KOH): 10% AND 20% SOLUTIONS

INTENDED USE

Hardy Diagnostics Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Solutions are recommended for use in slide preparations of specimens for the purpose of identifying fungal elements.

SUMMARY

Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Solutions are used in a rapid method for distinguishing fungal elements in microscopic preparations. KOH Solutions are useful when examining mucoid specimens or material containing keratin, such as skin, scales, nails, or hair. KOH digests mucous and keratin, clearing the background and making fungal elements more visible.

REAGENT FORMULA

10% Potassium Hydroxide Solution

20% Potassium Hydroxide Solution

Potassium Hydroxide	200.0gm
Deionized Water	1000ml

STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Storage: Upon receipt store at 2-30 degrees C. Products should not be used if there are any signs of contamination, deterioration, or if the expiration date has passed.

The expiration date applies to the product in its intact packaging when stored as directed.

This product has the following shelf life from the date of manufacture:

PRECAUTIONS

For in vitro diagnostic use only. Observe approved biohazard precautions and aseptic techniques. To be used only by adequately trained and qualified laboratory personnel. Sterilize all biohazard waste before disposal. Use of a biological safety cabinet is recommended for handling and examining mold cultures.

Warning: KOH is caustic. Causes burns. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. In case of contact, flush with large volumes of water.

PROCEDURE

Specimen Collection: Samples should be collected using sterilized equipment and aseptic technique to minimize contamination. For more information, see appropriate references.^(4-8)

Method of Use: Place a drop of Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Solution in the center of a clean slide. Mix a portion of the specimen in the drop of KOH. Cover with a coverslip and press gently to make a thin mount. Gentle warming may aid in clearing the mount.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

Examine the preparation under low and high dry magnification for the presence of characteristic mycelia and fruiting structures. Consult appropriate references for diagnostic features of fungi isolated in clinical and non-clinical specimens.

LIMITATIONS

Potassium Hydroxide Solutions are useful in the recognition and presumptive identification of fungi. Additional characteristics including colony morphology and biochemical tests should be used where appropriate for final identification. For further information, consult appropriate references.^(4-8)

Prolonged exposure of a mold to KOH may result in distortion of the fungal elements.

The slide preparation should be stored in a moist chamber prior to reading to avoid drying.

MATERIALS REQUIRED BUT NOT PROVIDED

Standard microbiological supplies and equipment such as loops, other culture media, swabs, applicator sticks, glass slides, coverslips, incinerators, and incubators, etc., as well as serological and biochemical reagents, are not provided.

QUALITY CONTROL

User Quality Control: Examine routinely for contamination, deterioration or discoloration.

Physical Appearance: 10% Potassium Hydroxide and 20% Potassium Hydroxide Solutions should appear clear and colorless.

REFERENCES

1. Murray, P.R., et al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 6th ed. American Society for Microbiology, Washington D.C., 1995.

2. Forbes, B.A., et al. Bailey and Scott's Diagnostic Microbiology, 10th ed. C.V. Mosby Company, St. Louis, MO, 1998.

3. August, M.J., et al. Cumitech 3A; Quality Control and Quality Assurance Practices in Clinical Microbiology, Coordinating ed., A.S. Weissfeld. American Society for Microbiology, Washington D.C., 1990.

4. Cumitech 11: Practical Methods for Culture and Identification of Fungi in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, American Society for Microbiology, Washington D.C., 1980.

5. Isenberg, H.D. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Vol. I & II. American Society for Microbiology, Washington D.C.

6. Koneman, E.W., et al. Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, 5th ed. J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, PA, 1997.

7. Kwon-Chung, K.J. and J.E. Bennett. Medical Mycology. Lea and Febiger, Malvern, PA, 1992.

8. Larone, D.H. Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identifacation, 2nd ed. American Society for Microbiology, Washington D.C., 1993.

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