Remove and discard the first layer of debris under the nail. Collect the remaining debris for examination. Scrape the undersurface of the nail if it appears diseased. If the dorsal plate appears diseased, scrape the outer surface and discard, then collect scrapings from the diseased area. Submit scrapings in folded paper or between slides wrapped in paper, as described above.
Ideal cultures are pure, young subcultures taken from the primary isolation medium.
Cultures should be sent on appropriate medium in screw-capped tubes. Culture plates should not be transported unless sealed, carefully packaged, and hand-delivered by courier. Dermatological specimens should be transported in a dry container. Moist specimens should be transported in sterile, humidified, leak-proof containers. Do not use transport medium.