Nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, occur when fungi, bacteria, or yeast infect the fingernails or toenails. These infections can cause discoloration, thickening, brittleness, pain, and nail detachment. Traditional lab cultures for diagnosing nail infections can take weeks and often fail to detect slow-growing pathogens.

The Nail Infection PCR Test provides a fast, accurate, and comprehensive diagnosis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, detecting fungal, bacterial, and viral infections within 24-48 hours.

Unlike conventional microscopy or culture tests, which may miss certain pathogens, the PCR test directly detects DNA/RNA of infecting organisms, providing:
✅ High Accuracy – Detects infections with >99% sensitivity and specificity
⚡ Rapid Results – Identifies pathogens in 24-48 hours instead of waiting weeks for culture growth
🦠 Multi-Pathogen Detection – Identifies fungi, bacteria, and viruses in a single test
🚫 Detects Antibiotic & Antifungal Resistance – Helps guide targeted treatment.

You may need PCR testing for nail infections if you have:
✅ Thickened, discolored, or brittle nails
✅ Nail lifting, crumbling, or deformity
✅ Persistent nail infections that do not respond to treatment
✅ Diabetes or an immune condition that increases infection risk
✅ Recurrent nail infections

Symptoms of Nail Infections

🛑 Yellow, brown, or white discoloration
🛑 Thickened or distorted nail shape
🛑 Brittle, crumbling nails
🛑 Separation of the nail from the nail bed
🛑 Pain or foul odor around the nail

Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis):

• Dermatophytes (Most common cause of fungal nail infections)
  • Trichophyton rubrum
  • Trichophyton mentagrophytes
  • Epidermophyton floccosum
• Non-Dermatophyte Fungi
  • Aspergillus species (Mold-related infections)
  • Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (Hard-to-treat fungal nail infections)
• Yeast Infections
  • Candida albicans (Common in diabetics and immunocompromised individuals)
  • Candida parapsilosis

Bacterial Nail Infections:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Green nail syndrome)
• Staphylococcus aureus (Bacterial paronychia)
• Streptococcus species

Viral Nail Infections:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Associated with periungual warts
• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2) – Can cause painful nail lesions

Antifungal & Antibiotic Resistance Genes Detected:

• Azole Resistance (CYP51A mutations) – Resistance to common antifungal treatments
• Beta-lactam & Methicillin Resistance (mecA gene) – Indicates MRSA presence in bacterial infections

1️⃣ Sample Collection – A small nail clipping or debris sample is taken from the affected nail.
2️⃣ DNA/RNA Extraction – The sample is processed to extract genetic material from pathogens.
3️⃣ PCR Amplification & Analysis – The genetic material is amplified for highly sensitive detection.
4️⃣ Results Interpretation – A report is generated and sent to your doctor for precise treatment planning.

Understanding Your Test Results

🔹 Positive Result – Confirms a fungal, bacterial, or viral infection; your doctor will prescribe targeted treatment.
🔹 Negative Result – No infection detected, but symptoms should still be monitored.
🔹 Resistance Detected – Your doctor will adjust antifungal or antibiotic therapy accordingly.

✔ Targeted Treatment – Your doctor will prescribe an oral or topical antifungal, antibiotic, or antiviral treatment based on your results.
✔ Proper Nail Care – Regular trimming, keeping nails dry, and antifungal treatments can help prevent reinfection.
✔ Follow-Up Testing – If symptoms persist, retesting may be necessary to monitor treatment success.

Insurance & Cost Coverage

Most insurance providers cover PCR testing for nail infections when medically necessary. Our team assists with insurance verification and billing support.

Why Choose Our Lab for Nail Infection PCR Testing?

✔ Comprehensive Pathogen Screening – Detects fungi, bacteria, and viruses in one test
✔ CLIA-Certified & CAP-Accredited Lab – Ensuring high-quality diagnostic standards
✔ Fast Turnaround Time – Results available within 24-48 hours
✔ Advanced Molecular Technology – Uses state-of-the-art PCR testing for precision