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| Laboratory \ Potassium Hydroxide |
KOH Information / Comments
| Potassium Hydroxide Preparations
Potassium hydroxide solutions interact with ambient carbon dioxoide, and form insoluble carbonates, inactivating the solution. Delasco supplies the preparations in plastic drop dispensing containers, in which the dropper is never removed, eliminating frequent air changes which occur in ordinary glass dropper bottles, resulting in a shelf life of 3 years even when used regularly.
Delasco KOH preparations are available in water, both 10% and 20%, and are best for wet mount smears, such as as vaginal drainage. If used for skin scrapings, gentle warming and waiting 5 or 10 minutes is recommended before examination.
Dimethylsulfoxide added to the preparation increases the penetration of the KOH into the keratin, and results in much more efficient clearing. Heating is not necessary, and specimens can be examined immediately, except in the case of thick nail shavings, which will benefit from a 5 to 10 minute wait.
When 20% potassium hydroxide is used, the maximum percentage of dimethylsulfoxide that can be used is 40%. Concentrations higher than 40% result in a separation of fluids, which may cause bubbles microscopically. If bubbles appear in your preparations, this can usually be corrected by removing the dropper plug, and adding a few drops of water.
Some physicians have asked for a higher percentage of Dimethylsulfoxide. We have been able to accomplish this by making a preparation with a reducing concentration of potassium hydroxide, 10%, in which case we have been able to increase the concentration of the dimethylsulfoxide to 60%. It is used in the same manner as the 20% version.
CLIA: Classified as a clearing agent, as a aid to physician performed microscopy, it is not a "test". When capped between uses, it remains effective as a keratin clearing agent throughout a 3 year shelf life. Interpretation of wet mounts: Differentiation between hyphae, spores, fibers, artifacts is an art which, which like most aspects of medicine is best learned by training.
All are available in 1 oz and 2 oz drop dispensing plastic containers, with a price break available with purchase of 6 or more. KOH with Dimethylsulfoxide has a garlic-like odor. Spills should wiped up immediately. If a spill contacts the skin, rapid injury is likely.
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