5-Minute Fungal Nail Testing

What is a fungal nail infection?

An infection to the nail plate which is predisposed by warm, dark, moist environments causing the nail to change in shape, colour and growth. This can occur on the fingers or toes, but is much more common in the toes due to the environment it thrives in being that of a shoe.

Signs of a fungal nail infection

Signs of a fungal nail infection are usually discoloration (white, brown, yellowish). It can cause the nail to become lifted or thickened. The nail can become brittle or soft to cut.

Why Choose 5-Minute Fungal Nail Testing?

• Accurate Diagnosis

Fungal nail infections can visually appear to be very similar to many other nail conditions, therefore this test can confidently confirm if the nail condition is caused by fungus or something else. The test is 97% accurate.

• Quick and Convenient

The test takes five minutes for the results to be confirmed, it can be completed in clinic during the appointment; therefore, the sample does not need to be sent away to a lab which can take months for the results to come back.

• Peace of Mind

If the test proves negative this can give peace of mind that the nail condition will not spread to other nails, if it is positive treatment can commence.

• Peace of Mind

If the test proves negative this can give peace of mind that the nail condition will not spread to other nails, if it is positive treatment can commence.

What to Expect During the Test

Assessment

The podiatrist will initially go through a full medical and social history and then move onto the history of the nail condition. Then they will visually examine the feet and nails, if the podiatrist suspects a fungal nail infection or wants to rule it out, they may suggest completing the test.

Clippings

A sample of nail will be taken through a clipping, the deepest portion of infected tissue will need be needed for this.

Test

The podiatrist will mix the sample with a liquid and the test strip is left to sit in this for five minutes.

Understanding Your Results

Result

The test is similar to a COVID or pregnancy test known as a lateral flow test. If two lines show on the test it is positive, if one line shows on the test it is negative. A positive test result means dermatophytes are present in the sample. Dermatophytes are a group of fungi which feed on keratin which is found in skin, hair and nails.

Next steps

If the test is positive, we will discuss treatment options with you.

This could be one or two of the following:

• Nail reduction,
• Nail fenestration / Lacuna method
• Topical anti-fungal ointments
• Oral anti-fungal medication
• Nail surgery

The treatment which may be advised is dependent on the type and severity of the infection.

If the test is negative, we will advise, consider further investigations and discuss treatment options available.

When Should I Test my Nails?

After a consultation with a podiatrist, they may suggest a test is completed when there are changes to the shape / colour of the nail.

Booking an Appointment

Fungal nail assessment and testing

We offer a combined assessment and fungal nail test appointment, book here.

Existing patient

If you are an existing patient we can perform a fungal nail test in your appointment for an additional cost.

If you have concerns about the health of your nails and think you may benefit from a test, you can book with any of our podiatrists. If you have any questions, our admin team are happy to help, you can email us atoffice@chiropody.co.uk or call 0330 088 4222.

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