A comparative study of Chicago Sky Blue and ParkerTM ink blue black potassium hidroxide in the diagnosis of dermatophytes

Parker ink blue black potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a regular stain for the diagnosis of dermatophytoses. KOH giving less color contrast to the fungal element. The Chicago Sky Blue (CSB) solution is a new contrast have various sensitivity and specificity values. This is analytical observational,cross sectional design study conducted at Dermatomycology Division of Outpatient Clinic, Dr. Soetomo General Hospital. 40 samples from lesion and perilesional infected area, diagnosed dermatophytoses with culture positive was include in this study. All two tests were performed examined by KOH and CSB. The slides were examined after incubation in x 10 and x 40 magnifications by experienced observer. The sensitivity, specificity and McNemar test of CSB and KOH was calculated using culture as the standard test. The sensitivities, specificities, PPV, NPV of the Chicago sky blue and KOH respectively are 95% and 100%, 95,24% and 100%, 100% and 100%, with McNemar test p = 1 and Kappa score is 0,950. The Chicago Sky Blue stain provides a good color contrast and IT could be a alternative staining for the dermatophytoses.