Skin investigations Flashcards
What are the investigations for bacterial skin infections?
Take swabs from affected area, serous fluid, for bacteriology then:
Microscopy, culture and sensitivity
What are the investigations to be done for viral skin infections ?
Take swabs of vesicular fluid for virology then:
PCR
What are the investigations done for fungal skin infections ?
Take scrapings from edge of affected area for mycology:
Microscopy and culture for fungi
Appreciate this
For skin biopsy’s:
Ellipse – larger specimen
- incisional for diagnosis of larger lesion / rash
- excisional to remove a discrete lesion
What are the two main investigations you can do for Type I hypersensitivity reactions ?
IgE blood test
Skin prick test (think this is first choice) - there is a risk fo anaphylaxis though
What is the first choice investigation for type IV hypersensitivity reaction ?
Patch testing