NAIL INFECTION TESTING

Nail Changes Could Mean More Than You Think

Your nails are more than cosmetic. Changes like yellowing, thickening, crumbling, or unusual texture could signal an underlying infection caused by fungi, bacteria, or yeast. Nail infections such as onychomycosis can be persistent and often get worse without the right diagnosis.

Many topical treatments fail because they target the wrong issue. Lab testing gives you clear answers, helping you and your provider choose the most effective treatment before the infection spreads or causes long-term damage.

What the Test Is & How It Works

To diagnose a nail infection accurately, we collect a small sample from the affected nail and the tissue beneath it. This sample is then analyzed using a powerful combination of advanced methods:

• Culture testing (aerobic and anaerobic)
• Gram staining for initial organism insight
• Rapid PCR identification for fast, precise results
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to guide treatment

These techniques help us pinpoint the exact cause—whether it’s a dermatophyte, yeast like Candida, or a non-dermatophyte mold—so you can get the right treatment and avoid unnecessary delays or medications.