A small cut or nail infection may not be large in terms of size, but it still may pose a large problem should the microbes enter a patient’s bloodstream.

Thus, if a patient appears to have an infected wound or nail, the situation doesn’t only require diligence; rather, it requires swift solutions.

And that’s where dermal PCR testing comes into play.

The Spectrum of Skin-Related Pathogens

While some patients may experience prolonged skin irritation as a result of allergens or other easily-treatable causes, others require immediate attention in order to mitigate worsened symptoms.

“Many skin pathogens can be typically found living on the skin as commensals,” as explained in an article published by PLOS Pathogens, “but microbial dysbiosis (or microbial imbalance), host genetic variation, and immune status may drive the transition from commensal to pathogen.”

In these cases, a skin-related condition may be caused by…

• Trapped bacteria within hair follicles and pores
• Viral infection
• Fungal spores living on the skin
• A weak immune system
• And more

Consequently, fast and accurate microbial testing for the source of the infection is imperative.

Introducing WoundPath™ and NailPath™

While providers and laboratories alike have long relied on traditional culture testing to find answers and solutions for their patients, the advent of PCR testing has both expedited and revolutionized this process.

For example, here at NCF Diagnostics and Technologies, we offer two different options for testing the skin in a fast, accurate, and convenient way:

• WoundPath™
  Regardless of whether a patient has sustained a scrape or is healing from a post-surgical incision, they may be at risk of infection because there is not enough skin in that area to prevent microbial intrusion. Thus, we developed our WoundPath™ panel to comprehensively test patients for more than 22 different pathogens. Additionally, this test has been lauded for helping to prevent the necessity for amputation in some veterans.
• NailPath™
  An individual’s nails are far more susceptible to fungal and bacterial intrusion than they might expect. That’s why we’ve developed our advanced NailPath™ test, which effectively tests for more than 22 nail-related fungi and more than 11 disease- and infection-causing bacteria. thereby helping you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your patient(s).

Accurate, Fast, and Convenient PCR Testing

Put simply, both our WoundPath™ and NailPath™ PCR test panels were developed to analyze patients’ swab samples for disruptive pathogenic colonies. But accuracy and broad coverage aren’t where it ends — with these panels, providers will receive the results within 6 to 8 hours from when the sample arrives at our lab!

In other words, here at NCF Diagnostics & DNA Technologies, we remain committed to providing real-time services that are…

• Accurate
• Fast
• Convenient

We believe in empowering both providers and patients by offering them the ability to make quicker, more informed decisions. If you’re ready to learn more or get started, simply contact NCF Diagnostics & DNA Technologies today by calling (352) 375-5553 or emailing info@ncfdna.com!