Practical Pearls Accurate testing for onychomycosis requires procurement of ample subungal debris, which can be difficult to visually quantify. Specimen collection on a dark background—a black sticky note pad, for example—to contrast with light-colored nail debris can help ensure an adequate specimen for fungal culture or polymerase chain reaction. Practice Gap Mycologic testing is necessary and cost-effective1 for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis.
