Erythrasma – Superficial skin

Consistent with O. Reg. 671/92 of the French Language Services Act, laboratory testing information on this page is only available in English because it is scientific or technical in nature and is for use only by qualified health care providers and not by members of the public.

Testing Indications

Erythrasma is not a fungal infection. Rather, it is caused by a bacterium called Corynebacterium minutissimum.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimen Requirements

Test Requested Required Requisition(s) Specimen Type Minimum Volume Collection Kit

Erythrasma

Skin scrapings from intertriginous areas

Skin scrapings should be visible on the black paper provided with the kit.

Fungus Culture Kit (6-Pack) order#: 390048

Submission and Collection Notes

1

Follow the instructions found in the Fungus Culture Kit Instruction sheet.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Store specimen at room temperature. Specimens should be shipped to the lab ASAP.

Requisitions and Kit Ordering

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

The Erythrasma test is done daily Monday to Friday

Turnaround time is up to 1 day for microscopy results, and up to 15 days for (fungal) culture (to rule out other pathogens) from receipt by PHO laboratory.

Test Methods

Microscopy using Modified Methylene Blue Stain.

Fungal culture is also performed to detect agents of superficial mycoses and to rule out possible double infections.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.

contact lab

Contact Laboratory Customer Service

Laboratory Services

customerservicecentre@oahpp.ca

Updated 20 July 2020