Skin, hair and nail conditions that look alike can have very different causes - and very different treatments. Microbiology testing identifies the organism behind an infection, so the right treatment starts from day one. LivingCare's specialist dermatology service provides fast skin, hair and nail testing across our Leeds and Sheffield clinics, with no GP referral needed.

What Is Dermatology Microbiology Testing?

Dermatology microbiology testing is a laboratory analysis of a small skin, hair or nail sample to find out whether a fungal, bacterial or parasitic organism is causing a condition. Many skin, hair and nail conditions look clinically similar, so it can be hard to tell the cause from appearance alone; a laboratory result removes that uncertainty and guides targeted treatment. At LivingCare the sample is collected by a Dermatologist in clinic, with no preparation or anaesthetic.

Types of Microbiology Test We Offer

LivingCare offers three types of dermatology microbiology sample collection, each targeting a different area:

Skin scraping. A small amount of surface skin is gently collected using a blunt blade or scraping tool, taking only a few seconds. Skin scrapings investigate suspected fungal infections such as ringworm (tinea corporis) and athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and are sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing.

Hair plucking (trichoscopy sample). One or more hairs, including the root, are plucked from the affected area for laboratory analysis. This test investigates suspected fungal infections of the scalp (tinea capitis) or hair-follicle conditions where a microbial cause is suspected. It generally does not cause any discomfort, as infected hair tends to fall out and be plucked easily.

Nail clippings. A small clipping of the affected nail, with any subungual debris (material from beneath the nail), is sent for fungal microscopy and culture. Nail-clipping analysis is the standard investigation for suspected onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), the most common nail disorder seen in dermatology clinics.

What Conditions Can Microbiology Testing Diagnose?

Microbiology testing is used where an infectious cause is suspected, including:

• Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)
• Ringworm (tinea corporis) and athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
• Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), more common in children
• Fungal skin infections of the groin, face or hands (tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manuum)
• Bacterial skin infections and folliculitis, where culture identifies the organism and its sensitivities

Why Microbiological Confirmation Matters

Nail discolouration, for example, can be caused by a fungal infection, psoriasis or injury - and the treatment for each is very different. Treating without laboratory confirmation risks ineffective therapy, unnecessary medication and delayed resolution.

This matters most before oral antifungal tablets for a nail infection. NHS guidance notes that a sample may be taken and tested before tablets are prescribed [1], and the British Association of Dermatologists advises against prescribing oral antifungal treatment for a suspected nail infection without laboratory confirmation [2]. Because these tablets can be taken for several months and are not suitable for everyone, confirming the infection first helps make sure the treatment is appropriate [1].

How the Testing Process Works

During your appointment
‍Your Dermatologist examines the affected area, confirms whether testing is appropriate, and collects the relevant sample. The procedure takes only a few minutes and needs no preparation or anaesthetic.

After your appointment
‍Your sample is sent to a specialist laboratory. Microscopy results are typically available within 1-2 days. Culture results, which identify the specific organism and its sensitivities, usually take 2-3 weeks, and fungal cultures for nail infections can take up to 4 weeks.

Results and follow-up
‍Once results are received, your Dermatologist will contact you to discuss the findings and recommend treatment, with a written summary provided.

What to Expect Before Your Appointment

For the most accurate results, please follow this guidance where possible before your appointment:

• Nail-clipping tests: avoid nail polish, hardeners and topical antifungal treatments on the affected nails for at least one week beforehand
• Skin-scraping tests: avoid topical antifungal creams or steroids on the area for at least one week beforehand
• Hair-plucking tests: avoid antifungal shampoos on the affected area for at least 48 hours beforehand
• If you are already taking antifungal or antibiotic treatment, tell your Dermatologist at your appointment

Why Choose LivingCare for Microbiology Testing in Leeds and Sheffield

At LivingCare, microbiology testing is supported by our team of experienced Dermatologists, who assess your symptoms and choose the most appropriate tests for your condition. Our Dermatologists can assess a wide range of skin, hair and nail concerns and ensure your results are interpreted in the context of your individual clinical needs.

Unlike services where testing is requested without specialist assessment, at LivingCare you are examined by a Dermatologist first, so the right test is chosen and results are interpreted in the full clinical context of your condition. The service is part of our Yorkshire Dermatology Centre of Excellence.

With same-day and next-day appointments, no GP referral needed for private patients, and self-pay or insurance, LivingCare makes specialist skin, hair and nail testing accessible across Yorkshire. Book a dermatology consultation to get started.

References

• NHS - Fungal nail infection
• British Association of Dermatologists - Ameen M et al. Guidelines for the management of onychomycosis 2014. British Journal of Dermatology 2014;171:937-958