Five Minute Fungal Nail Test
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Easy to use
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Rapid results in just a few minutes
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No need to send nail clippings to a laboratory and await results
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Scientifically proven to give accurate and reliable results
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Can detect the presence of all the common dermatophytes in a small sample of nail
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Immediate diagnosis, allowing you to advise accordingly and treat the infection without delay.
How does it work?
The Dermatophyte Test Strip works by a process known as immune-chromotography, similar to that used in a pregnancy test. A pink line occurs in the test strip to confirm the test has worked whilst the appearance of a purple-brown line below it confirms the presence of dermatophytes in the sample.
How accurate is the test?
Published studies have shown to have an accuracy of 97% - meaning you can be confident that the test will give results.
How much sample is required?
Due to the sensitivity of the test only a small amount of nail specimen is required. In work conducted to date, less than 1 gram of infected nail can predict the presence or absence of infection.
Can the test be used if I have been using anti-fungal treatments?
Yes, unlike traditional mycology, the test is unaffected by any anti-fungal treatments which may be present in a nail sample.
Why should I bother diagnosing it, I can tell by looking?
Studies have shown that even experts (dermatologists & podiatrists) at very best can only be around 67% accurate by visual diagnosis meaning they still get 1 in 3 diagnoses wrong. Clinical guidelines and published papers repeatedly state it is good practice to establish a formal diagnosis before treating. Why?
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Because around half of dystrophic nails are not fungal.
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Because one may risk treating (and charging) a patient for something they do not have.
References