To obtain a skin scraping for microscopic examination, use asoft spiral Pap smear brush instead of a scalpel and rub alongthe leading edge of the rash. Hold the brush down on a glassslide,and place a drop of KOH on it to transfer the sample.Thebrush will pick up plenty of skin cells for examination andavoids any possibility of nicking the skin with a scalpel.
—Joanne K. Wills, MD, Baltimore (114-29)