However, many common nondermatophyte fungi may also cause color change, and if microscopic examination of fungal spores is not performed to confirm growth, there is a high risk of false-positive results.
How accurate are ringworm tests?
Although not a perfect diagnostic test due to the relatively high frequency of false negative results, a Wood's lamp - correctly used - can be a helpful and cost effective screening tool. It has been estimated that somewhere between 30-80% of M.
Can ringworm be misdiagnosed?
There are a variety of ringworm imposters that could be causing you or your child's rash. The two most common conditions are nummular eczema and granuloma annulare. Nummular eczema causes circular patches of dry skin that can burn or become dry and scaly.
How accurate are ringworm cultures?
PCR correctly identified all culture-positive cats and 92/104 culture negative cats; there were 12 false-positive PCR results. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87.7-100) and 88.5% (95% CI 80.7-93.9), respectively.
Does ringworm always glow under a blacklight?
The ringworm fungus will glow under a blacklight. Your pediatrician may use a blacklight in a darkened room to inspect the infected areas on your child's body. If glowing patches appear, your pediatrician may order additional tests to identify if indeed it is a fungal infection.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
How do dogs pass ringworm to humans?How do I know if my dog has ringworm or something else?