A Comparison of Conventional Rapid Methods in Diagnosis of Superficial and Cutaneous Mycoses Based on Koh, Chicago Sky Blue 6b and Calcofluor White Stains

Background and objectives: rapid confirmation of dermatomycoses is desirable, as it allows the clinicians to initiate appropriate therapy immediately. in this study, the utility of a novel contrast stain, chicago sky blue stain, was compared with potassium hydroxide mount and calcofluor white stain to determine the causative fungal elements in the rapid detection method.materials and methods: in this survey, 189 samples of suspected dermatomycosis infections were assessed in 3 incubation times of 30 minutes, 2 hours, and > 6 hours. results: positive cases were shown in chicago sky blue 6b (55%), calcofluor white (53.4%), and potassium hydroxide (36%), with 30minute incubation. positive results increased in other incubation times. sensitivity, specificity, ppv, npv and accuracy of chicago sky blue 6b were 97%, 100%, 100%, 96% and 98% and, for potassium hydroxide, they were 66%, 98%, 97%, 98%, 80% versus cfw, respectively.conclusion: this study provides evidence that the chicago sky blue 6b stain is a simple, fast and costeffective method.