Laboratory Test & Clinical Procedures

bacterial analyses

samples of skin are examined for presence of microorganisms

fungal tests

scraping from skin lesions, hair specimens, or nail clippings are sent to a laboratory for culture and microscopic identification of fungal infection

cryosurgery

use of subfreezing temperature achieved with liquid nitrogen application to destroy tissue

curettage

use of a sharp dermal curette to scrape away a skin lesion

electrodesiccation

tissue if destroyed by burning with an electric spark

Mohs surgery

thin layers of malignant tissue are removed, and each slice is examined microscopically to check for adequate extent of the resection

skin biopsy

suspicious skin lesions are removed or sampled and examined microscopically by a pathologist

skin test

substances are injected intradermally or applied to the skin and results are observed