Fungus Test kits

You need to only clip a nail and collect the debris under the nail. Then send the nail sample to our laboratory for testing. Your results are read by a podiatrist.

Included in the nail test kit is a sample collection instruction sheet, a specimen collection pouch with two labels, one personal information form, a nail clipper, one wooden stick and a postage paid return envelope for your convenience.
 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) - A colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon based material. Common sources include automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, kerosene heaters, furnaces and gas water heaters. Low concentrations of CO can cause fatigue and chest pain. High concentrations can cause headaches, nausea, impaired vision and coordination, flu like symptoms and in severe exposure, death.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) - A colorless, highly poisonous gas that is a by-product of combustion. Sources include furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, gas appliances. Can cause severe irritation of the throat, nasal passages and upper respiratory tract. High level exposure over long durations is very dangerous.

Formaldehyde (HCHO) - A colorless, pungent gas found in wood building materials, plastics, personal care products, textiles, carpets, paint, cleaning products and adhesives. This gas may cause burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, nasal and upper respiratory tract irritation, wheezing, fatigue, skin rash, severe allergic reaction and difficulty breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans.

Mold, Bacteria, Yeast and Fungus - Mold is a furry growth on the surface of organic matter caused by fungi, especially in the presence of dampness or decaying matter. Yeast is a cluster of minute, fermenting fungi that produce gas. Mold yeast and fungi can cause allergic reactions such as runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, and sneezing, coughing and upper respiratory discomfort.

Severely allergic individuals can have trouble breathing. Prolonged exposure can contribute to allergy development. Severe exposure can include symptoms of dizziness, lethargy, fever, digestive problems and influenza.

Nail Fungus Symptoms and Its Severity

The degree of severity may vary from person-to person. If one has sought immediate medical treatment, then the progression of symptoms can be hindered.

To lessen the gravity of the problem, preventive or supportive measures must be initiated. This includes keeping your feet clean and dry at all times. It also involves avoidance of warm environment as the latter promotes the growth of fungus on your nails.

Early Signs of Nail Fungus

• Whitish or yellowish discoloration of the nails. Usually, the big or small toe is the first.
• Accumulation of debris under the toenails. Doctors commonly call this condition a “toe jam”.
• Lost of shine or luster on the toenails.
• Thickened nails. Those infected with this condition would begin to notice thickening of their nails. The fungus causes the nails to become hard and solidified to look at.

The symptoms become progressive if infection is not controlled. One would begin to manifest the late symptoms of the disease which include the following:

• Brittle, crumbled, or broken nails. The toenails would usually appear uneven on the edges.
• Distorted shape of the nail. Toenail fungus causes severe alteration in the appearance of your nails. The nails may even come off if treatment is not given.
• Black or greenish discoloration. At first, the nails would turn white or yellow in color. But in due course, it can appear black or green.
• Separation from the nail bed. This condition is scientifically known as onycholysis. It may or may not involve pain.

Fungal problems are best prevented by practicing proper hygiene. Here are some simple remedies you can do at home:

• Keep your nails clean at all times. This technique has been very helpful in preventing fungal infection. Those who keep their nails short, clean and dry are kept safe from the disease.
• Wear the appropriate size of shoes. Another common practice to avoid nail diseases is wearing the right size of shoes. Constrictive clothing can result to extreme sweating or moisture, making the nails a good site for fungus to grow.
• Dry your feet before wearing socks or shoes. A wet or moist environment is a good medium for infection. This kind of environment has to be avoided to prevent fungal growth.
• Do not trim the skin around your nails. Germs have instant access to your skin and nails once there is an open site.
• Keep it simple. Nail polish only attracts germs to grow on your nails. If you wish to avoid fungal infections permanently, you may have to say goodbye to nail coloring.
• Wash your hands after touching an infected source. Nail diseases are transmitted through direct contact from the source of infection. In case you encounter such problem, remember to wash your hands properly and sanitize afterwards.

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